cnbc--2020-02-11--Trump says he would rather face Bloomberg than Sanders: Bernie 'has real followers'

People cheer as Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-VT ) arrives onstage during a campaign event at the Whittemore Center Arena on February 10 , 2020 in Durham , New Hampshire .
Many New Hampshire voters are mulling Tuesday which Democratic presidential hopeful can beat President Donald Trump .
The question is also on the president 's mind .
Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , leads polls of Tuesday 's New Hampshire primary as he gains traction nationally .
As former Vice President Joe Biden falters , billionaire former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has climbed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of millions of dollars of his fortune .
Trump , during a rambling criticism of Bloomberg 's 2015 comments that defended his city 's stop-and-frisk policing practice with racist stereotypes , said unprompted that he would rather face the businessman than the Vermont senator .
He pointed to Sanders ' devoted supporters , who fueled an insurgent challenge to former secretary of State and senator Hillary Clinton in 2016 .
`` Frankly , I 'd rather run against Bloomberg than Bernie Sanders , '' the president told reporters at the White House .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether you like him or not , whether you agree with him or not .
I happen to think it 's terrible what he says .
But he has followers .
Bloomberg 's just buying his way in . ''
As Democrats consider who to put up against Trump in November 's general election , many voters say they have thought most about who has the best chance to oust the president .
NBC News exit polls of New Hampshire on Tuesday found 62 % of Democrats would rather see a nominee who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would prefer a candidate who agrees with them .
Trump has also kept a close eye on the field .
Supporters of Biden , who has run a campaign around his ability to defeat Trump , have repeatedly said Trump asked Ukraine to investigate the former vice president and his son Hunter because he feared facing Biden in November .
Trump 's push for a probe sat at the center of the House 's decision to impeach him , and the Senate acquitted the president last week .
At the same time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the senator , a self-proclaimed democratic socialist who has pushed for a vast expansion of the social safety net , would struggle to beat Trump .
Sanders has fought that characterization , telling supporters in New Hampshire on Monday night that he can win because `` our agenda speaks to the pain of the working families of this country . ''
It 's not just Trump who has focused more on Bloomberg recently .
Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
, both criticized their opponent in the final days of the New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corrosive influence of money in politics .
Trump sent , then deleted , a tweet Tuesday calling Bloomberg a `` TOTAL RACIST '' after his 2015 comments surfaced .
In the remarks , the former New York mayor said most murderers and murder victims `` fit one M.O .
— you could just take the description , Xerox it and pass it out to all the cops .
They are male , minorities 15 to 25 [ years old ] . ''
Bloomberg released a statement Tuesday saying `` this issue and my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commitment to criminal justice reform and racial equality . ''
It later issued another statement from African-American faith leaders with whom he met Tuesday , who said , `` None of us believe that Mike Bloomberg is a racist . ''

People cheer as Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) arrives onstage during a campaign event at the Whittemore Center Arena on February 10, 2020 in Durham, New Hampshire. Joe Raedle | Getty Images
Many New Hampshire voters are mulling Tuesday which Democratic presidential hopeful can beat President Donald Trump. The question is also on the president's mind. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., leads polls of Tuesday's New Hampshire primary as he gains traction nationally. As former Vice President Joe Biden falters, billionaire former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has climbed in national surveys, fueled by spending tens of millions of dollars of his fortune. Trump, during a rambling criticism of Bloomberg's 2015 comments that defended his city's stop-and-frisk policing practice with racist stereotypes, said unprompted that he would rather face the businessman than the Vermont senator. He pointed to Sanders' devoted supporters, who fueled an insurgent challenge to former secretary of State and senator Hillary Clinton in 2016.
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"Frankly, I'd rather run against Bloomberg than Bernie Sanders," the president told reporters at the White House. "Because Sanders has real followers, whether you like him or not, whether you agree with him or not. I happen to think it's terrible what he says. But he has followers. Bloomberg's just buying his way in." As Democrats consider who to put up against Trump in November's general election, many voters say they have thought most about who has the best chance to oust the president. NBC News exit polls of New Hampshire on Tuesday found 62% of Democrats would rather see a nominee who can beat Trump, while 34% would prefer a candidate who agrees with them. Trump has also kept a close eye on the field. Supporters of Biden, who has run a campaign around his ability to defeat Trump, have repeatedly said Trump asked Ukraine to investigate the former vice president and his son Hunter because he feared facing Biden in November. Trump's push for a probe sat at the center of the House's decision to impeach him, and the Senate acquitted the president last week. At the same time, Sanders' rivals including Biden have contended the senator, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist who has pushed for a vast expansion of the social safety net, would struggle to beat Trump. Sanders has fought that characterization, telling supporters in New Hampshire on Monday night that he can win because "our agenda speaks to the pain of the working families of this country."
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cnbc--2020-02-11--Why the New Hampshire primary could be very important to financial markets

Tom Steyer ( L ) , Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D-MA ) , Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-VT ) and former South Bend , Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg ( R ) listen as former Vice President Joe Biden ( C ) speaks during the Democratic presidential primary debate at Drake University on January 14 , 2020 in Des Moines , Iowa .
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is favored to win the New Hampshire Democratic primary Tuesday , but markets give him low odds of winning the White House and are betting on a victory by President Donald Trump .
Analysts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , because it could add some clarity to the path of moderate candidates running against the left-leaning Sanders .
It may also give an early look at where former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg might fit in , once he joins primary races on Super Tuesday .
Bloomberg , a successful businessman and founder of Bloomberg L.P. , is not in the New Hampshire primary , but he is the Democratic candidate that might be most palatable to markets .
`` We 're trying to figure out if there 's a moderate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up big numbers , that 's two states in a row where he puts up big numbers , '' said Dan Clifton , head of policy research at Strategas Research .
`` And he 's establishing himself as that moderate alternative .
The key to me is do the moderates end up splitting the vote , allowing Bernie Sanders to get a larger lead ? ''
The market mood going into the New Hampshire primary is very different than just eight days ago , when the Iowa Democratic caucuses took place and Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sanders is viewed by many on Wall Street as negative for the stock market for his policies on health care , taxes , and energy .
But the Iowa caucuses were far from smooth , and Democrats had difficulties determining the outcome , with no winning candidate immediately apparent .
Buttigieg , former Mayor of South Bend , Ind.
, took the most delegates , even though Sanders was leading in the polls .
Former Vice President Joseph Biden , who was leading nationally , came in fourth .
Biden was leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over Sanders in national polls , on average , according to RealClearPolitics.com .

Tom Steyer (L), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg (R) listen as former Vice President Joe Biden (C) speaks during the Democratic presidential primary debate at Drake University on January 14, 2020 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is favored to win the New Hampshire Democratic primary Tuesday, but markets give him low odds of winning the White House and are betting on a victory by President Donald Trump.
Analysts said the primary will be important, however, because it could add some clarity to the path of moderate candidates running against the left-leaning Sanders.
It may also give an early look at where former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg might fit in, once he joins primary races on Super Tuesday. Bloomberg, a successful businessman and founder of Bloomberg L.P., is not in the New Hampshire primary, but he is the Democratic candidate that might be most palatable to markets.
"We're trying to figure out if there's a moderate alternative to Bernie Sanders…If Pete Buttigieg puts up big numbers, that's two states in a row where he puts up big numbers," said Dan Clifton, head of policy research at Strategas Research. "And he's establishing himself as that moderate alternative. The key to me is do the moderates end up splitting the vote, allowing Bernie Sanders to get a larger lead?"
The market mood going into the New Hampshire primary is very different than just eight days ago, when the Iowa Democratic caucuses took place and Sanders was expected to make a big showing. Sanders is viewed by many on Wall Street as negative for the stock market for his policies on health care, taxes, and energy.
But the Iowa caucuses were far from smooth, and Democrats had difficulties determining the outcome, with no winning candidate immediately apparent. Buttigieg, former Mayor of South Bend, Ind., took the most delegates, even though Sanders was leading in the polls. Former Vice President Joseph Biden, who was leading nationally, came in fourth.
Biden was leading Monday by a tiny 0.3 percentage points over Sanders in national polls, on average, according to RealClearPolitics.com.


cnbc--2020-02-11--Roger Stone prosecutors quit case as DOJ cuts Trump ally's recommended prison sentence

Former advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump , Roger Stone , leaves the E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse after being found guilty of obstructing a congressional investigation into Russia ’ s interference in the 2016 election on November 15 , 2019 in Washington , DC .
Four federal prosecutors dramatically quit the criminal case against Republican operative Roger Stone as the Department of Justice reduced their recommendation that a judge sentence the longtime ally of President Donald Trump to up to nine years in prison .
In a revised sentencing memo filed Tuesday , Timothy Shea , U.S. Attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deserves to be sentenced to `` far less '' time in prison than what the four prosecutors , who worked under Shea , proposed Monday .
Jonathan Kravis , who delivered the closing argument at Stone 's trial last fall , resigned as an assistant U.S. Attorney , according to a court filing in Washington federal court .
Kravis , who did not give a reason in the filing , will no longer work as a prosecutor for the federal government .
The other three prosecutors , Aaron Zelinsky , Adam Jed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's case , according to their own separate filings , which did not explain their decision .
But those three all will continue working for the federal government .
The four prosecutors all signed the controversial sentencing recommendation for Stone on Monday that quickly came under attack both from the Justice Department and from Trump for being too harsh .
Those prosecutors told Judge Amy Berman Jackson in that filing that Stone should get a prison term of between seven and nine years when he is sentenced Feb. 20 for crimes related to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WikiLeaks during the 2016 presidential election and his efforts to get an associate , comedian Randy Credico , to cover for his lies .
Prosecutors said their proposed sentence mirrors the sentence suggested federal sentencing guidelines , which are calculated according to a formula that takes into account the severity of the crime , the type of conduct involved , and a defendant 's prior criminal history .

Former advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump, Roger Stone, leaves the E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse after being found guilty of obstructing a congressional investigation into Russia’s interference in the 2016 election on November 15, 2019 in Washington, DC.
Four federal prosecutors dramatically quit the criminal case against Republican operative Roger Stone as the Department of Justice reduced their recommendation that a judge sentence the longtime ally of President Donald Trump to up to nine years in prison.
In a revised sentencing memo filed Tuesday, Timothy Shea, U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., said Stone deserves to be sentenced to "far less" time in prison than what the four prosecutors, who worked under Shea, proposed Monday.
Jonathan Kravis, who delivered the closing argument at Stone's trial last fall, resigned as an assistant U.S. Attorney, according to a court filing in Washington federal court.
Kravis, who did not give a reason in the filing, will no longer work as a prosecutor for the federal government.
The other three prosecutors, Aaron Zelinsky, Adam Jed and Michael Marando, also withdrew from Stone's case, according to their own separate filings, which did not explain their decision.
But those three all will continue working for the federal government.
The four prosecutors all signed the controversial sentencing recommendation for Stone on Monday that quickly came under attack both from the Justice Department and from Trump for being too harsh.
Those prosecutors told Judge Amy Berman Jackson in that filing that Stone should get a prison term of between seven and nine years when he is sentenced Feb. 20 for crimes related to lying to Congress about his contacts with WikiLeaks during the 2016 presidential election and his efforts to get an associate, comedian Randy Credico, to cover for his lies.
Prosecutors said their proposed sentence mirrors the sentence suggested federal sentencing guidelines, which are calculated according to a formula that takes into account the severity of the crime, the type of conduct involved, and a defendant's prior criminal history.


cnbc--2020-02-11--Biden will head to South Carolina on New Hampshire primary night as his poll numbers tank

Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden leaves a campaign event in Somersworth , New Hampshire , February 5 , 2020 .
The move signals the Biden campaign sees South Carolina — where the former vice president has enjoyed a comfortable lead among black voters — as critical to reviving a faltering operation .
Two new polls this week have found Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , comfortably leading Biden among Democratic voters nationally .
But as polls show Biden struggling to even crack the third place spot in the Granite State , he heads to South Carolina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every survey ahead of its Feb. 29 primary .
Candidates typically hold election night events in states that just cast votes .
All of Biden 's rivals for the presidential nomination plan to gather with supporters in New Hampshire on Tuesday night .
Former Vice President Joe Biden will travel to South Carolina on Tuesday night , while New Hampshire Democratic primary results come in , as polls show his support waning in early nominating states and nationwide .
Speaking to reporters in New Hampshire on Tuesday morning , Biden said `` this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` significant portion '' of the electorate has not voted yet .
The one-time Democratic front-runner , who recently telegraphed a poor New Hampshire performance , said , `` we 're still mildly hopeful here in New Hampshire . ''
When asked if South Carolina was `` do or die '' for his campaign , Biden responded , `` No , I do n't think so . ''
`` Look , the rest of the nation is out there .
There 's an awful lot of electoral votes to be had , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters shouted questions and one held a microphone near him , Biden reportedly said : `` I 'm not giving up on New Hampshire !
And do n't poke that in my face , OK buddy ? ''
Biden has run a campaign centered on his ability to beat President Donald Trump in November 's general election .
But voters in the small , predominantly white states of Iowa and New Hampshire have so far appeared to prefer their alternatives .
Former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg left last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allocated national delegates , followed closely by Sanders .
Biden finished a distant fourth , according to the Iowa Democratic Party 's results that contained some apparent inconsistencies .
The Vermont senator has led the vast majority of recent polls of New Hampshire , followed by Buttigieg .
The Biden campaign will hold the Tuesday event , which it called a `` launch party , '' in Columbia , South Carolina .
Rep. Cedric Richmond , a Louisiana Democrat , initially planned to headline it without Biden .
Biden said he still plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its Feb. 22 caucuses .
The next Democratic debate will take place in Las Vegas on Feb. 19 .
Biden has narrowly led Sanders in an average of Nevada polls , but surveys have been limited in recent weeks.

Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden leaves a campaign event in Somersworth, New Hampshire, February 5, 2020.
The move signals the Biden campaign sees South Carolina — where the former vice president has enjoyed a comfortable lead among black voters — as critical to reviving a faltering operation. Two new polls this week have found Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., comfortably leading Biden among Democratic voters nationally.
But as polls show Biden struggling to even crack the third place spot in the Granite State, he heads to South Carolina, where he has led just about every survey ahead of its Feb. 29 primary.
Candidates typically hold election night events in states that just cast votes. All of Biden's rivals for the presidential nomination plan to gather with supporters in New Hampshire on Tuesday night.
Former Vice President Joe Biden will travel to South Carolina on Tuesday night, while New Hampshire Democratic primary results come in, as polls show his support waning in early nominating states and nationwide.
Speaking to reporters in New Hampshire on Tuesday morning, Biden said "this race isn't over" noting a "significant portion" of the electorate has not voted yet. The one-time Democratic front-runner, who recently telegraphed a poor New Hampshire performance, said, "we're still mildly hopeful here in New Hampshire."
When asked if South Carolina was "do or die" for his campaign, Biden responded, "No, I don't think so."
"Look, the rest of the nation is out there. There's an awful lot of electoral votes to be had," he said.
Later Tuesday, as reporters shouted questions and one held a microphone near him, Biden reportedly said: "I'm not giving up on New Hampshire! And don't poke that in my face, OK buddy?"
Matt Viser tweet
Biden has run a campaign centered on his ability to beat President Donald Trump in November's general election. But voters in the small, predominantly white states of Iowa and New Hampshire have so far appeared to prefer their alternatives.
Former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg left last week's messy Iowa caucuses with the most allocated national delegates, followed closely by Sanders. Biden finished a distant fourth, according to the Iowa Democratic Party's results that contained some apparent inconsistencies.
The Vermont senator has led the vast majority of recent polls of New Hampshire, followed by Buttigieg.
The Biden campaign will hold the Tuesday event, which it called a "launch party," in Columbia, South Carolina. Rep. Cedric Richmond, a Louisiana Democrat, initially planned to headline it without Biden.
Biden said he still plans to go to Nevada next week ahead of its Feb. 22 caucuses. The next Democratic debate will take place in Las Vegas on Feb. 19.
Biden has narrowly led Sanders in an average of Nevada polls, but surveys have been limited in recent weeks.


cnbc--2020-02-11--Trump heaps praise on trillion dollar tech club — calling four big companies MAGA

U.S. President Donald Trump ( 2nd L ) welcomes members of his American Technology Council , including ( L-R ) Apple CEO Tim Cook , Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos in the State Dining Room of the White House President Donald Trump gave a shout out to a group of four big tech giants that have market caps larger than $ 1 trillion , calling them MAGA .
Trump said four tech giants Microsoft , Apple , Google , and Amazon.com are part of a trillion dollar club — MAGA .
The term originated as Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Again — and is widely used by the president and his supporters .
According to a press pool report , Trump said : `` For 144 days we set a record stock market .
It means 401ks , it means jobs .
Four trillion dollar companies : Apple , Amazon , Google , Microsoft .
You have MAGA .
The trillion dollar club . ''
The name MAGA has also been used on Wall Street for the group of stocks that have led the market higher .
They collectively have added $ 520 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump has often taken credit for the stock market 's gains .
The stock market is currently experiencing its longest bull market ever , beginning in 2009 under former President Barack Obama and continuing under Trump .
The Trump administration has had a sometimes tense relationship with some big tech companies .
His comments came just hours after the Federal Trade Commission announced it will examine prior acquisitions by all four companies .
The FTC is also investigating Facebook .
The FTC will require the companies to provide information on acquisitions not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and consummated from the beginning of 2010 through the end of 2019 .
Two members of the MAGA stock group are also part of FANG , a term used widely on Wall Street to describe tech stocks Facebook , Amazon , Netflix and Google , whose parent 's name is Alphabet .
Amazon , Alphabet and Microsoft all hit new highs Tuesday .

U.S. President Donald Trump (2nd L) welcomes members of his American Technology Council, including (L-R) Apple CEO Tim Cook, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos in the State Dining Room of the White House
Trump said four tech giants Microsoft , Apple, Alphabet's Google, and Amazon are part of a trillion dollar club — MAGA. The term originated as Trump's campaign slogan — Make America Great Again — and is widely used by the president and his supporters.
President Donald Trump gave a shout-out to a group of four big tech giants that have market caps larger than $1 trillion, calling them MAGA.
According to a press pool report, Trump said: "For 144 days, we set a record stock market. It means 401Ks, it means jobs. Four trillion dollar companies: Apple, Amazon, Google, Microsoft. You have MAGA. The trillion dollar club."
The name MAGA has also been used on Wall Street for the group of stocks that have led the market higher. They collectively have added $520 billion in market cap this year alone.
Trump has often taken credit for the stock market's gains. The stock market is currently experiencing its longest bull market ever, beginning in 2009 under former President Barack Obama and continuing under Trump.
The Trump administration has had a sometimes tense relationship with some big tech companies. His comments came just hours after the Federal Trade Commission announced it will examine prior acquisitions by all four companies. The FTC is also investigating Facebook.
The FTC will require the companies to provide information on acquisitions not previously reported to the antitrust agencies under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and consummated from the beginning of 2010 through the end of 2019.
Two members of the MAGA stock group are also part of FANG, a term used widely on Wall Street to describe tech stocks Facebook , Amazon, Netflix and Google, whose parent's name is Alphabet .
Amazon, Alphabet and Microsoft all hit new highs Tuesday.


cnbc--2020-02-11--Joe Biden can beat Trump — but he won't win the Democratic nomination, Paul Ryan says

ABU DHABI , United Arab Emirates — Former House Speaker and staunch Republican Paul Ryan sees only one Democrat capable of beating President Donald Trump in the 2020 election — but that candidate wo n't actually make it to the nomination , he contended at a panel event Tuesday .
`` I 'd say he 's probably the most likely one to have a chance at beating Donald Trump , but I do n't see Joe getting the nomination , I just do n't see him getting there .
I think it 's going be one of these progressives , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to beat , '' he told CNBC 's Hadley Gamble at the annual Milken Conference in Abu Dhabi .
Speaking as a former congressman from Wisconsin , the one-time vice presidential hopeful outlined three key states the parties will have to fight over to win in 2020 : Wisconsin , Michigan and Pennsylvania .
In those states , particularly Ryan 's home state , `` I think Joe is probably the hardest to beat , because it 's going to come down to the suburban ( voter ) , it 's going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the difference-maker , '' he said .
Ryan , who is on the board of Fox News parent Fox Corp. , described that voter as typically a right-of-center , first-generation college-educated white-collar worker .
`` A first-generation Republican and they like Trump the idea , they like Trump the disruption — they do n't necessarily like the personality and the noise and the tweets that come with it , '' he said .
`` So they 'll be tempted to vote for what they think is a safe moderate — and I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will fall into that category , and is the likeliest to be able to win that voter , '' Ryan said .
But that 's only if Biden , former vice president and senator from Delaware , wins his party 's nomination .
With several contenders still in the field , and further-left progressive candidates like Sen. Bernie Sanders seeing a surge in support from young liberal voters , Ryan believes Biden 's chances are basically zero .
`` If Bernie ( I-VT ) keeps racking up wins and is seen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can probably make the case that ( former New York Mayor Michael ) Bloomberg will get enough proportional delegates , because he 'll play in enough states , to go into the convention with a claim , and then you 'll have one whale of a mess of a convention — in Milwaukee , and then we 'll what happens there , '' Ryan said .
`` I do n't see Joe getting the nomination , but he 's the best bet the Democrats have . ''
Biden , initially expected by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic nominee , trailed rivals Sanders , Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Elizabeth Warren in the Iowa caucuses last week .
Polls in New Hampshire , which will hold its primary Tuesday , show Biden on the verge of another relatively weak finish , according to a RealClearPolitics polling average .
And new national polls show Sanders pulling ahead of Biden for the first time .
Bloomberg , meanwhile , joined the race late in the game and wo n't be appearing on any ballots until Super Tuesday on March 3 , but he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of millions of dollars into his campaign .
In a recent poll of small-business owners , the billionaire businessman was the only Democrat to top Trump .
The poll , conducted in January , showed 52 % of respondents said they favored the former New York mayor , according to Gallup and payments tech firm Square .
Ryan lauded what he felt were Trump 's economic achievements , noting the sweeping tax reform and cuts package delivered under his leadership in 2017 , the first since 1969 .
`` If Trump were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a really bad economy due to a crisis , '' he said .
But citing the lowest U.S. unemployment levels in some 50 years coupled with rapid wage growth , he contended , `` It 's really hard to run a contest against a president sitting on such a strong economy . ''
Trump 's approval rating has ticked up from 47 % to 49 % , according to a recent poll by Hill/HarrisX conducted after he was acquitted on two impeachment charges .
The president also reached a 49 % approval rating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highest recorded by Gallup since he assumed the presidency .
At the panel 's start , audience members were asked to give a show of hands for who believed Trump would win reelection in 2020 .
The audience numbered several hundred , primarily in the business and finance community , and came from all over the world , but particularly the U.S. , Europe and the Middle East .
Nearly every hand in the room went up .

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Former House Speaker and staunch Republican Paul Ryan sees only one Democrat capable of beating President Donald Trump in the 2020 election — but that candidate won't actually make it to the nomination, he contended at a panel event Tuesday.
"I'd say he's probably the most likely one to have a chance at beating Donald Trump, but I don't see Joe getting the nomination, I just don't see him getting there. I think it's going be one of these progressives, which I think will be much easier to beat," he told CNBC's Hadley Gamble at the annual Milken Conference in Abu Dhabi.
Speaking as a former congressman from Wisconsin, the one-time vice presidential hopeful outlined three key states the parties will have to fight over to win in 2020: Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. In those states, particularly Ryan's home state, "I think Joe is probably the hardest to beat, because it's going to come down to the suburban (voter), it's going to be the suburbanite that'll basically be the difference-maker," he said.
Ryan, who is on the board of Fox News parent Fox Corp., described that voter as typically a right-of-center, first-generation college-educated white-collar worker. "A first-generation Republican and they like Trump the idea, they like Trump the disruption — they don't necessarily like the personality and the noise and the tweets that come with it," he said.
"So they'll be tempted to vote for what they think is a safe moderate — and I think Joe Biden, it's all relative, will fall into that category, and is the likeliest to be able to win that voter," Ryan said. But that's only if Biden, former vice president and senator from Delaware, wins his party's nomination.


cnbc--2020-02-11--Bernie Sanders hopes New Hampshire primary will tighten his early grip on the 2020 Democratic race

ROCHESTER , N.H. — Waiting in a line wrapped around a city block , some shielded from biting wind by hats with `` BERNIE '' written on them , Bernie Sanders supporters reflected on how much their candidate 's movement has changed .
Entering New Hampshire 's first-in-the-nation primary in 2016 , the senator from Vermont had come just short of defeating former secretary of State and Sen. Hillary Clinton in Iowa 's Democratic caucuses .
While Sanders ' Hawkeye State showing predicted the surprise strength of his 2016 primary bid , he really announced his presence when he beat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in New Hampshire .
Voters who backed Sanders in the Granite State four years ago say his crowds have grown : 1,100 people showed up to his remarks here Saturday , while a few dozen others turned away at the door waited in the cold as the event started .
On Monday night , hours before the primary , over 7,500 people showed up for a rally , according to the campaign .
Voters note that his campaign has become more sophisticated .
And they insist that Sanders ' core beliefs have grown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arguments from rivals that he would not beat President Donald Trump in November .
`` The unelectability argument no longer holds , '' 52-year-old X-ray technician and Sanders volunteer Dean Kandilakis said as he waited for Sanders to speak at the Rochester Opera House .
`` How is he not electable ? ''
Sanders ' rivals — and some voters who back them — have used a handful of criticisms of the senator as he led every poll ahead of Tuesday 's New Hampshire primary .
Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congressional candidates in swing districts .
Several competitors warn his signature `` Medicare for All '' health proposal would cost too much and take away private plans that many voters like .
Sanders enters Tuesday 's primary with the money and national and state polling numbers befitting a front-runner for the Democratic nomination in an 11-person race .
Polls of the Granite State suggest he leads Pete Buttigieg , the former South Bend , Indiana , mayor who has taken a drubbing from his rivals after leaving Iowa with the most pledged national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final days before the primary , the Vermont senator has credited his neighboring state with helping to fuel his rise to a national force in 2016 .
Sanders hopes New Hampshire can propel him again Tuesday as he looks to seize control of the race before it turns to larger , more diverse states where Buttigieg has struggled to gain polling traction .
`` Four years ago when I was here campaigning , many of the ideas that we talking about — raising the minimum wage to a living wage of 15 bucks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered radical , '' Sanders said at a New Hampshire Democratic Party dinner on Saturday , where each presidential hopeful spoke to a cheering section of supporters at SNHU Arena in Manchester .
`` You know what ?
They 're not radical today , '' he said , while also highlighting his plans to make public college tuition free , cancel student debt and implement a single-payer health-care system .
Sanders led Buttigieg by about 7 percentage points in New Hampshire entering primary day , according to an average of recent polls .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ performance in Friday 's Democratic debate , was statistically tied with Warren and Biden for third .
Polls released ahead of the primary showed a fluid race .
Sanders led Buttigieg by about 4 points in an NBC News/Marist poll of New Hampshire voters released Friday before the Democratic debate .
Other surveys since have found larger advantages for Sanders .
Voters do not always align with the neat ideological `` lanes '' described in coverage .
Sam Kelley , an undecided voter who attended Sanders ' Rochester event on Saturday , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Buttigieg .
The latter two have proposed more modest policy changes than Sanders .
Kelley , who works in the city of Rochester 's finance office , said she was weighing which of those presidential hopefuls had the best chance to beat Trump .
Biden , the national polling leader throughout most of the race , finished a disappointing fourth in Iowa and predicted more trouble ahead .
Sanders , who was the first choice of a plurality of Iowa caucus voters , finished just behind Buttigieg in national delegates from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race in the Feb. 22 Nevada caucus and contenders angle to win South Carolina 's primary on Feb. 29 and the March 3 Super Tuesday prizes of California and Texas .
Struggles for Biden — who has generally fared best among the candidates with voters of color — offer an opportunity for Sanders .
Former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg , who has climbed in national polls as he piles tens of millions of dollars into Super Tuesday states , has complicated any path the front-runners have to the nomination .
Sanders increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final days before the New Hampshire primary .
On Monday , he told supporters that Buttigieg and Biden have `` dozens and dozens of billionaires '' contributing to their campaigns , while `` we do n't have any . ''
Like some of his rivals , Sanders has started to preview the arguments he could use against Trump in a general election .
The senator contended Friday morning that the benefits of a strong U.S. economy and near 50-year low unemployment — the core of the president 's argument for reelection — have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers .
`` Last year in this 'booming ' economy the average American worker in inflation-accounted-for dollars saw a 1 % increase in his or her wages , '' Sanders said at an event held by St. Anselm College 's New Hampshire Institute of Politics .
`` Why is that ?
How does it happen that year after year after year , people on top do phenomenally well , year after year after year , working class and middle class of this country struggle and 40 million people live in poverty ? ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ undercut Trump 's economic arguments in November .
During Saturday night remarks in Manchester , billionaire activist Tom Steyer said , `` Donald Trump can win unless we kick his a -- on the economy . ''
Trump touted the economy during a Manchester rally on Monday night in a direct challenge to the Democrats ' messaging .
New Hampshire had a 2.6 % unemployment rate in December , among the lowest in the country .
Some who live and work in Manchester , the state 's largest city with about 112,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Technology companies and universities have spread in a city once fueled by its textile industry .
Joe Raczka and Adam Coughlin , managing partners at Manchester-based investment and advisory firm York.ie , said lower rent and cost of living — relative to New York or even Boston — have helped to drive growth in the city .
The firm has invested in seven companies , mostly on the East Coast , and advised other businesses since its founding in September .
Raczka , Coughlin and their partner Kyle York all previously worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 .
Raczka pointed to `` positive trends '' in the state , including a `` good mix of businesses and an up-and-coming tech scene . ''
The ease of working remotely , Coughlin adds , plays to New Hampshire 's `` geographic advantages that are n't easily replicable — it 's hard to make lakes and mountains . ''
Beyond New Hampshire , voters appear satisfied with the economy about nine months before the election .
Seven-in-10 voters describe the economy as `` excellent '' or `` good , '' according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The figure is just shy of the highest tracked by the pollster .
Despite this , voters have flocked even more in recent weeks to Sanders ' push to rein in corporate excesses , boost wages and labor rights and reduce health costs .
The Quinnipiac survey found Sanders leading the primary field among Democratic voters and Democratic-leaning independents nationally with 25 % of support .
Biden followed him at 17 % .
The poll showed Sanders leading Trump in a hypothetical general election matchup by a 51 % to 43 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to undercut the former vice president 's core campaign argument : that he is the Democrat best equipped to beat Trump .
The Sanders campaign began to play up its candidate 's ability to defeat the president more as nominating contests started this month in Iowa .
`` Bernie beats Trump '' signs hung from the stands in the SNHU Arena in Manchester on Saturday .
The campaign also called its final gathering before primary day — a rally and concert featuring Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and rock band The Strokes that drew more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a Democrat in New Hampshire — a `` Bernie beats Trump '' event .
Sanders spoke Monday just after Trump wrapped up his own rally in the state .
Taking swipes at the president 's proposed federal budgets , which have included cuts to Medicaid and Social Security , and the 2017 Republican tax plan , which passed most benefits to the wealthy , Sanders laid out parts of the economic argument he will deploy if he wins the Democratic nomination .
`` We are going to beat Donald Trump because our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working families of this country , '' Sanders said .

Bernie Sanders speaks to supporters in Dover, N.H. Jacob Pramuk | CNBC
ROCHESTER, N.H. — Waiting in a line wrapped around a city block, some shielded from biting wind by hats with "BERNIE" written on them, Bernie Sanders supporters reflected on how much their candidate's movement has changed. Entering New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary in 2016, the senator from Vermont had come just short of defeating former secretary of State and Sen. Hillary Clinton in Iowa's Democratic caucuses. While Sanders' Hawkeye State showing predicted the surprise strength of his 2016 primary bid, he really announced his presence when he beat Clinton by more than 20 percentage points in New Hampshire. Voters who backed Sanders in the Granite State four years ago say his crowds have grown: 1,100 people showed up to his remarks here Saturday, while a few dozen others turned away at the door waited in the cold as the event started. On Monday night, hours before the primary, over 7,500 people showed up for a rally, according to the campaign. Voters note that his campaign has become more sophisticated. And they insist that Sanders' core beliefs have grown more popular — which they say invalidates arguments from rivals that he would not beat President Donald Trump in November. "The unelectability argument no longer holds," 52-year-old X-ray technician and Sanders volunteer Dean Kandilakis said as he waited for Sanders to speak at the Rochester Opera House. "How is he not electable?"
The unelectability argument no longer holds. How is he not electable? Dean Kandilakis X-ray technician and Sanders volunteer
Sanders' rivals — and some voters who back them — have used a handful of criticisms of the senator as he led every poll ahead of Tuesday's New Hampshire primary. Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Amy Klobuchar argue his views will damage congressional candidates in swing districts. Several competitors warn his signature "Medicare for All" health proposal would cost too much and take away private plans that many voters like. Sanders enters Tuesday's primary with the money and national and state polling numbers befitting a front-runner for the Democratic nomination in an 11-person race. Polls of the Granite State suggest he leads Pete Buttigieg, the former South Bend, Indiana, mayor who has taken a drubbing from his rivals after leaving Iowa with the most pledged national delegates in the field. In the final days before the primary, the Vermont senator has credited his neighboring state with helping to fuel his rise to a national force in 2016. Sanders hopes New Hampshire can propel him again Tuesday as he looks to seize control of the race before it turns to larger, more diverse states where Buttigieg has struggled to gain polling traction. "Four years ago when I was here campaigning, many of the ideas that we talking about — raising the minimum wage to a living wage of 15 bucks an hour — those ideas then were considered radical," Sanders said at a New Hampshire Democratic Party dinner on Saturday, where each presidential hopeful spoke to a cheering section of supporters at SNHU Arena in Manchester. "You know what? They're not radical today," he said, while also highlighting his plans to make public college tuition free, cancel student debt and implement a single-payer health-care system.
The Bernie Sanders section cheers at a New Hampshire Democratic Party dinner on Feb. 8, 2020. Jacob Pramuk | CNBC
Sanders led Buttigieg by about 7 percentage points in New Hampshire entering primary day, according to an average of recent polls. Klobuchar, fresh off a well received performance in Friday's Democratic debate, was statistically tied with Warren and Biden for third. Polls released ahead of the primary showed a fluid race. Sanders led Buttigieg by about 4 points in an NBC News/Marist poll of New Hampshire voters released Friday before the Democratic debate. Other surveys since have found larger advantages for Sanders. Voters do not always align with the neat ideological "lanes" described in coverage. Sam Kelley, an undecided voter who attended Sanders' Rochester event on Saturday, said she was choosing among Sanders, Klobuchar and Buttigieg. The latter two have proposed more modest policy changes than Sanders. Kelley, who works in the city of Rochester's finance office, said she was weighing which of those presidential hopefuls had the best chance to beat Trump.
Biden, the national polling leader throughout most of the race, finished a disappointing fourth in Iowa and predicted more trouble ahead. Sanders, who was the first choice of a plurality of Iowa caucus voters, finished just behind Buttigieg in national delegates from the state. Polls show a potentially close race in the Feb. 22 Nevada caucus and contenders angle to win South Carolina's primary on Feb. 29 and the March 3 Super Tuesday prizes of California and Texas. Struggles for Biden — who has generally fared best among the candidates with voters of color — offer an opportunity for Sanders. Former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg, who has climbed in national polls as he piles tens of millions of dollars into Super Tuesday states, has complicated any path the front-runners have to the nomination.
Sanders hits Trump on the economy
Sanders increased his criticism of his competitors in the final days before the New Hampshire primary. On Monday, he told supporters that Buttigieg and Biden have "dozens and dozens of billionaires" contributing to their campaigns, while "we don't have any." Like some of his rivals, Sanders has started to preview the arguments he could use against Trump in a general election. The senator contended Friday morning that the benefits of a strong U.S. economy and near 50-year low unemployment — the core of the president's argument for reelection — have gone to the rich rather than the workers. "Last year in this 'booming' economy the average American worker in inflation-accounted-for dollars saw a 1% increase in his or her wages," Sanders said at an event held by St. Anselm College's New Hampshire Institute of Politics. "Why is that? How does it happen that year after year after year, people on top do phenomenally well, year after year after year, working class and middle class of this country struggle and 40 million people live in poverty?" Other Democrats have stressed the need to undercut Trump's economic arguments in November. During Saturday night remarks in Manchester, billionaire activist Tom Steyer said, "Donald Trump can win unless we kick his a-- on the economy." Trump touted the economy during a Manchester rally on Monday night in a direct challenge to the Democrats' messaging. New Hampshire had a 2.6% unemployment rate in December, among the lowest in the country. Some who live and work in Manchester, the state's largest city with about 112,000 people, expressed general satisfaction with the economy. Technology companies and universities have spread in a city once fueled by its textile industry.
Adam Coughlin works at the York.ie offices in Manchester, N.H. Jacob Pramuk | CNBC


cnbc--2020-02-11--Trump calls Bloomberg 'A TOTAL RACIST' over tape of ex-NYC mayor defending 'stop and frisk'

President Donald Trump slammed Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg on Tuesday as a `` TOTAL RACIST '' over a 2015 audio clip in which Bloomberg defended the `` stop and frisk '' police practice .
In reply to Trump 's tweet , Bloomberg said , `` I am not afraid of you and I will not let you bully me or anyone else in America . ''
Bloomberg made his comments defending stop and frisk in 2015 , years before the three-term former New York mayor disavowed the policy in advance of launching his presidential bid in November .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vast majority of murderers and murder victims `` fit one M.O .
— you could just take the description , Xerox it and pass it out to all the cops .
They are male , minorities , 15 to 25 [ years old ] . ''
`` One of the unintended consequences is people say , 'Oh my God , you are arresting kids for marijuana .
They 're all minorities , ' '' Bloomberg said during a talk at The Aspen Institute .
`` That 's true .
Why ?
Because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighborhoods .
Yes , that 's true .
Why do you do it ?
Because that 's where all the crime is . ''
`` And the way you get the guns out of the kids ' hands is to throw them up against the wall and frisk them , And then they start ... 'Oh I do n't want to get caught . '
So they do n't bring the gun .
They still have a gun , but they leave it at home . ''
Trump pounced on the audio in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WOW , BLOOMBERG IS A TOTAL RACIST ! ''
the president wrote in a reply to the audio clip .
But Trump , who himself has been accused of racism and has praised stop and frisk during his presidency , appears to have deleted that tweet soon after it was posted .
The White House declined to comment on why the tweet was deleted .
But Trump , speaking to reporters Tuesday afternoon , heaped more criticism on Bloomberg for distancing himself from stop and frisk .
`` He goes to a church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He looked like hell ... saying what a horrible what thing he did .
I think that 's so disingenuous ... look , he 's a lightweight .
He 's a lightweight .
You 're going to find that out , '' Trump said from the desk of the Oval Office .
The president made his comments after Bloomberg hit back at Trump 's tweet with a blistering statement .
`` President Trump 's deleted tweet is the latest example of his endless efforts to divide Americans , '' Bloomberg said .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country marching towards greater equality and divided us with racist appeals and hateful rhetoric .
The challenge of the moment is clear : We must confront this president and do everything we can to defeat him . ''
`` The president 's attack on me clearly reflects his fear over the growing strength of my campaign , '' Bloomberg said .
`` Make no mistake Mr. President : I am not afraid of you and I will not let you bully me or anyone else in America .
Between now and November , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defeat you whether I am on the ballot or not . ''
A Trump campaign spokesman told CNBC he did not know why the president 's tweet vanished , and offered another searing criticism of Bloomberg 's comments .
`` It 's no wonder Mike Bloomberg never wanted that tape to surface .
It 's disgusting , '' Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said , apparently referring to a 2015 report that said Bloomberg did not want the Aspen think tank to air footage of his appearance at the event .
The recording @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporter of Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders , Benjamin Dixon , a podcast host who has been seeking information about Bloomberg on social media .
Bloomberg was the mayor of New York from 2002 to 2013 .
During that time , NYPD officers engaged regularly in the practice of stopping , questioning and frisking civilians or suspects on the street .
Critics said the practice was racially biased against minorities and unconstitutional in its implementation .
In 2013 , a federal judge in New York ruled that it violated rights under the Fourth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during his time as mayor , arguing that the program `` keeps New York safe '' and has saved tens of thousands of lives .
In November , however , Bloomberg changed his stance — just days before announcing he would run for president in the 2020 contest .
Addressing a black church in Brooklyn , Bloomberg said the practice often led to the disproportionate detaining of blacks and Latinos .
He added that he `` ca n't change history '' but now realizes `` I was wrong . ''
If anyone was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apologize , '' he said .
In his statement Tuesday , Bloomberg again expressed regret for his prior stance on stop and frisk .
`` I inherited the police practice of stop-and-frisk , and as part of our effort to stop gun violence it was overused .
By the time I left office , I cut it back by 95 % , but I should 've done it faster and sooner , '' Bloomberg said .
`` I regret that and I have apologized — and I have taken responsibility for taking too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Black and Latino communities . ''

President Donald Trump slammed Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg on Tuesday as a "TOTAL RACIST" over a 2015 audio clip in which Bloomberg defended the "stop and frisk" police practice.
In reply to Trump's tweet, Bloomberg said, "I am not afraid of you and I will not let you bully me or anyone else in America."
Bloomberg made his comments defending stop and frisk in 2015, years before the three-term former New York mayor disavowed the policy in advance of launching his presidential bid in November.
In the audio clip, Bloomberg said the vast majority of murderers and murder victims "fit one M.O. — you could just take the description, Xerox it and pass it out to all the cops. They are male, minorities, 15 to 25 [years old]."
"One of the unintended consequences is people say, 'Oh my God, you are arresting kids for marijuana. They're all minorities,'" Bloomberg said during a talk at The Aspen Institute. "That's true. Why? Because we put all the cops in the minority neighborhoods. Yes, that's true. Why do you do it? Because that's where all the crime is."
"And the way you get the guns out of the kids' hands is to throw them up against the wall and frisk them, And then they start ... 'Oh I don't want to get caught.' So they don't bring the gun. They still have a gun, but they leave it at home."
Trump pounced on the audio in an all-caps tweet Tuesday morning.
"WOW, BLOOMBERG IS A TOTAL RACIST!" the president wrote in a reply to the audio clip.
But Trump, who himself has been accused of racism and has praised stop and frisk during his presidency, appears to have deleted that tweet soon after it was posted.
The White House declined to comment on why the tweet was deleted. But Trump, speaking to reporters Tuesday afternoon, heaped more criticism on Bloomberg for distancing himself from stop and frisk.
"He goes to a church, and he's practically crying. He looked like hell ... saying what a horrible what thing he did. I think that's so disingenuous ... look, he's a lightweight. He's a lightweight. You're going to find that out," Trump said from the desk of the Oval Office.
The president made his comments after Bloomberg hit back at Trump's tweet with a blistering statement .
"President Trump's deleted tweet is the latest example of his endless efforts to divide Americans," Bloomberg said.
Trump, he said, "inherited a country marching towards greater equality and divided us with racist appeals and hateful rhetoric. The challenge of the moment is clear: We must confront this president and do everything we can to defeat him."
"The president's attack on me clearly reflects his fear over the growing strength of my campaign," Bloomberg said.
"Make no mistake Mr. President: I am not afraid of you and I will not let you bully me or anyone else in America. Between now and November, I will do everything I can to defeat you whether I am on the ballot or not."
A Trump campaign spokesman told CNBC he did not know why the president's tweet vanished, and offered another searing criticism of Bloomberg's comments.
"It's no wonder Mike Bloomberg never wanted that tape to surface. It's disgusting," Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said, apparently referring to a 2015 report that said Bloomberg did not want the Aspen think tank to air footage of his appearance at the event.
The recording was first shared on Monday by a supporter of Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders, Benjamin Dixon, a podcast host who has been seeking information about Bloomberg on social media.
tweet
Bloomberg was the mayor of New York from 2002 to 2013. During that time, NYPD officers engaged regularly in the practice of stopping, questioning and frisking civilians or suspects on the street.
Critics said the practice was racially biased against minorities and unconstitutional in its implementation. In 2013, a federal judge in New York ruled that it violated rights under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments.
Bloomberg championed stop-and-frisk during his time as mayor, arguing that the program "keeps New York safe" and has saved tens of thousands of lives.
In November, however, Bloomberg changed his stance — just days before announcing he would run for president in the 2020 contest.
Addressing a black church in Brooklyn, Bloomberg said the practice often led to the disproportionate detaining of blacks and Latinos. He added that he "can't change history" but now realizes "I was wrong."
If anyone was wrongly stopped by police, "I apologize," he said.
In his statement Tuesday, Bloomberg again expressed regret for his prior stance on stop and frisk.
"I inherited the police practice of stop-and-frisk, and as part of our effort to stop gun violence it was overused. By the time I left office, I cut it back by 95%, but I should've done it faster and sooner," Bloomberg said. "I regret that and I have apologized — and I have taken responsibility for taking too long to understand the impact it had on Black and Latino communities."


cnbc--2020-02-11--Pete Buttigieg sees surge in support from business execs after his strong showing in Iowa

Democratic presidential contender Pete Buttigieg is seeing increased support from business leaders as he jumps in the polls following a successful showing in the Iowa caucuses .
Dozens of executives who have largely remained on the sidelines during the 2020 election cycle have shown increased interest in Buttigieg 's presidential campaign over the past week , according to people with direct knowledge of the matter who declined to be named because these conversations were deemed private .
The increased interest in Buttigieg comes as he tries to position himself as the best option among moderate Democratic candidates for the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden , once a clear front-runner for the nomination , stumbles in the early stages of the primary race .
Buttigieg is also polling strongly among New Hampshire Democrats ahead of the state 's primary Tuesday .
One new Buttigieg supporter is former Goldman Sachs partner David Heller , who has spoken with members of Buttigieg 's bundler operation and has indicated he will back his campaign , these people said .
Heller , an investor in Peloton and a former minority owner in the Philadelphia 76ers , was a key architect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his first run for president in 2008 .
He helped raise up to $ 500,000 for Obama 's initial campaign for the White House , according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics .
Another who is leaning toward Buttigieg is former National Association of Manufacturers president and CEO Jerry Jasinowski , these people added .
Jasinowski endorsed Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election and contributed to Obama in 2008 .
In the wake of Buttigieg 's success in Iowa , the campaign announced it raised more than $ 2.7 million and attracted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition of some of these business leaders could help Buttigieg gain momentum with fundraisers and have enough cash on hand to successfully compete in the later primary states .
He went into 2020 with $ 14 million on hand , ahead of Biden but behind Sanders .
The Iowa Democratic Party allocated the most delegates to Buttigieg in the wake of their caucus debacle last week .
The former South Bend , Indiana , mayor acquired 14 delegates , while Sen. Bernie Sanders acquired 12 delegates .

Democratic presidential contender Pete Buttigieg is seeing increased support from business leaders as he jumps in the polls following a successful showing in the Iowa caucuses.
Dozens of executives who have largely remained on the sidelines during the 2020 election cycle have shown increased interest in Buttigieg's presidential campaign over the past week, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter who declined to be named because these conversations were deemed private.
The increased interest in Buttigieg comes as he tries to position himself as the best option among moderate Democratic candidates for the White House, particularly as former Vice President Joe Biden, once a clear front-runner for the nomination, stumbles in the early stages of the primary race. Buttigieg is also polling strongly among New Hampshire Democrats ahead of the state's primary Tuesday.
One new Buttigieg supporter is former Goldman Sachs partner David Heller, who has spoken with members of Buttigieg's bundler operation and has indicated he will back his campaign, these people said.
Heller, an investor in Peloton and a former minority owner in the Philadelphia 76ers, was a key architect during Barack Obama's fundraising operation during his first run for president in 2008. He helped raise up to $500,000 for Obama's initial campaign for the White House, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics.
Another who is leaning toward Buttigieg is former National Association of Manufacturers president and CEO Jerry Jasinowski, these people added. Jasinowski endorsed Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election and contributed to Obama in 2008.
In the wake of Buttigieg's success in Iowa, the campaign announced it raised more than $2.7 million and attracted more than 22,000 new donors. The addition of some of these business leaders could help Buttigieg gain momentum with fundraisers and have enough cash on hand to successfully compete in the later primary states. He went into 2020 with $14 million on hand, ahead of Biden but behind Sanders. The Iowa Democratic Party allocated the most delegates to Buttigieg in the wake of their caucus debacle last week. The former South Bend, Indiana, mayor acquired 14 delegates, while Sen. Bernie Sanders acquired 12 delegates.


cnbc--2020-02-11--Former CNBC anchor Michelle Caruso-Cabrera will challenge Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in House Democrat

Former CNBC anchor Michelle Caruso-Cabrera will challenge Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in House Democratic primary

Former longtime CNBC correspondent and anchor Michelle Caruso-Cabrera has launched a challenge in the Democratic primary against freshman firebrand Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York .
Caruso-Cabrera , who became a CNBC contributor when she left the network in September 2018 , serves as a member of the board of directors for financial services firm Beneficient .
She will take a leave from her role as CNBC contributor for the duration of the campaign , a CNBC spokesperson said .
According to a filing late Monday , she will run as a Democrat in that party 's primary in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a skeptic of government and a proponent of free markets .
In 2010 , she published a book called `` You Know I 'm Right : More Prosperity , Less Government . ''
She has been a registered Democrat for several years .
`` I am the daughter and granddaughter of working class Italian and Cuban immigrants , '' Caruso-Cabrera said in a statement .
`` I am so lucky to have had such a wonderful career and I want everybody to have the opportunity that I 've had .
That 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spent more than 20 years with CNBC , serving as a co-anchor of `` Power Lunch '' and as the network 's chief international correspondent .

Former longtime CNBC correspondent and anchor Michelle Caruso-Cabrera has launched a challenge in the Democratic primary against freshman firebrand Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York.
Caruso-Cabrera, who became a CNBC contributor when she left the network in September 2018, serves as a member of the board of directors for financial services firm Beneficient. She will take a leave from her role as CNBC contributor for the duration of the campaign, a CNBC spokesperson said.
According to a filing late Monday, she will run as a Democrat in that party's primary in the 14th District. Caruso-Cabrera is known to be a skeptic of government and a proponent of free markets. In 2010, she published a book called "You Know I'm Right: More Prosperity, Less Government." She has been a registered Democrat for several years.
"I am the daughter and granddaughter of working class Italian and Cuban immigrants," Caruso-Cabrera said in a statement. "I am so lucky to have had such a wonderful career and I want everybody to have the opportunity that I've had. That's why I'm running."
Caruso-Cabrera spent more than 20 years with CNBC, serving as a co-anchor of "Power Lunch" and as the network's chief international correspondent.


cnbc--2020-02-11--Trump ally Roger Stone should go to prison for up to 9 years, prosecutors say

Former advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump , Roger Stone , leaves the E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse after being found guilty of obstructing a congressional investigation into Russia ’ s interference in the 2016 election on November 15 , 2019 in Washington , DC .
President Donald Trump early Tuesday blasted federal prosecutors for seeking a prison term of between seven and nine years for his longtime ally Roger Stone , a Republican political operative convicted of lying to Congress in the Russian election meddling probe .
Prosecutors on Monday had called for that long prison term by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which included lying to Congress about his contacts with the document disclosure group WikiLeaks during the 2016 presidential elections , and pressuring an associate , comedian Randy Credico , to endorse his lies .
Hours later , Stone 's defense lawyers in their own sentencing memorandum called on the judge to impose a much lighter sentence , one of mere probation , with no time at all spent behind bars .
Trump weighed in on the dispute soon afterward on Twitter , writing that prosecutors ' call for a lengthy stint in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' In a follow-up tweet early Tuesday morning , the president expanded on his criticisms and raised suspicions that he may be considering a pardon for Stone .
`` This is a horrible and very unfair situation , '' Trump wrote .
`` The real crimes were on the other side , as nothing happens to them . ''
`` Can not allow this miscarriage of justice ! ''
The White House declined to comment when asked if Trump would pardon Stone .
The dueling legal filings came in advance of Stone 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Washington , D.C. , where Stone was convicted last fall in the case lodged by former special counsel Robert Mueller .
`` Stone 's lies to Congress and his obstructive conduct are a direct and brazen attack on the rule of law , '' prosecutors said in their sentencing memorandum .
Federal sentencing guidelines recommended a range of 87 to 108 months in prison for Stone , according to the prosecutors ' filing .
Prosecutors said that would be a fitting punishment for the 67-year-old .
However , as much as 62 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an enhancement under federal guidelines related to witness tampering .
And prosecutors acknowledged that Judge Amy Berman Jackson could consider the effect of that enhancement when she crafts Stone 's sentence , as well as `` Credico 's own acknowledgement at trial that he and Stone routinely exchanged text messages with hyperbolic language and Credico 's post-trial contention that he did not seriously believe that Stone intended to do him physical harm . ''
But later Monday , Stone 's lawyers in their own filing disputed the sentencing guideline calculation detailed by prosecutors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would show a suggested prison term of between 15 and 21 months .
But they also called on Jackson to depart downward from those guidelines and give Stone a sentence without any time in prison .
Among other factors they cited in their argument was unspecified health issues he has .
`` It is respectfully submitted that the Court should impose a non-Guidelines sentence of probation with any conditions that the Court deems reasonable under the circumstances , '' the lawyers wrote .
`` Stone does not seek to minimize the seriousness of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convicted — indeed , he is painfully aware of the severity of the situation , '' the lawyers wrote .
But , they added , `` As a 67-year-old first time offender convicted of serious but non-violent crimes , Roger Stone 's history and characteristics support a sentence below the advisory Guidelines range of imprisonment . ''
`` As detailed in the accompanying letters from his family and friends , Roger Stone is far more than the persona he projects in the media .
As those who know him well attest , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and family , but also someone who has repeatedly extended himself well beyond the normal range to assist virtual strangers , '' the filing said .
The defense submission included multiple letters supporting Stone , including ones from his wife , Nydia , who wrote , `` I have hard time envisioning life without my husband . ''
`` If Roger is sent to jail , I will have no means to support myself and there are no savings to fall back on , '' Nydia Stone wrote .
Other letters testified to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advice , and compassion .
But prosecutors noted in their filing that `` the House Intelligence Committee investigation that Stone obstructed was examining allegations that 'the Russian government , at the direction of President Vladimir Putin , sought to sow discord in American society and undermine our faith in the democratic process . '
'' In particular , that committee was eyeing claims that Russia was involved in the decision by WikiLeaks to publish documents related to the 2016 presidential election , which included emails stolen by Russian agents from the campaign chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democratic National Committee '' Stone knew the gravity of the House Intelligence Committee 's investigation when he obstructed it comby giving false testimony and tampering with a witness , '' prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo .
`` Indeed , Stone acknowledged as much in his opening statement before the Committee .
Stone chose — consciously , repeatedly , and flagrantly – to obstruct and interfere with the search for the truth on an issue of vital importance to all Americans , '' the memo said .
`` This Court should impose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the judicial system places on the need to allow witnesses to testify truthfully without threat or interference , and the importance of testifying truthfully under oath . ''
Stone 's sentence also needs to reflect the seriousness of his offense and the fact that he was fully aware of the crimes being committed , prosecutors argued .
`` Stone 's criminal conduct was not an act of desperation , '' the memo said .
`` Rather , his conduct was undertaken purposefully , by someone who knew exactly what he was doing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ testify falsely before Congress , '' prosecutors wrote .
`` He could have told the truth , or he could have declined the invitation to testify altogether . ''
`` Instead , Stone chose another option : he lied to Congress and then he tampered with a witness who could expose those lies , '' the memo said .
`` Stone 's goal , at the outset , was to obstruct the Committee 's search for the truth .
Last month , Credico said in a letter to the judge that Stone does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having engaged in `` lowbrow character attacks , '' spun `` conspiracy tales '' and threatened to steal the comedian 's dog .
`` I am writing to respectfully yet fervently implore you not to sentence Roger Stone to prison , '' wrote Credico in his letter to Jackson .
`` It is not justice '' to send Stone to prison , Credico wrote .
`` It is cruelty . ''
Credico had testified how Stone tried to get him to back up Stone 's lies to Congress about his contacts with WikiLeaks @

Former advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump, Roger Stone, leaves the E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse after being found guilty of obstructing a congressional investigation into Russia’s interference in the 2016 election on November 15, 2019 in Washington, DC.
President Donald Trump early Tuesday blasted federal prosecutors for seeking a prison term of between seven and nine years for his longtime ally Roger Stone, a Republican political operative convicted of lying to Congress in the Russian election meddling probe.
Prosecutors on Monday had called for that long prison term by citing the seriousness of Stone's crimes, which included lying to Congress about his contacts with the document disclosure group WikiLeaks during the 2016 presidential elections, and pressuring an associate, comedian Randy Credico, to endorse his lies.
Hours later, Stone's defense lawyers in their own sentencing memorandum called on the judge to impose a much lighter sentence, one of mere probation, with no time at all spent behind bars.
Trump weighed in on the dispute soon afterward on Twitter, writing that prosecutors' call for a lengthy stint in prison for Stone was "disgraceful!"
Tweet
In a follow-up tweet early Tuesday morning, the president expanded on his criticisms and raised suspicions that he may be considering a pardon for Stone.
"This is a horrible and very unfair situation," Trump wrote. "The real crimes were on the other side, as nothing happens to them."
"Cannot allow this miscarriage of justice!"
Trump TWEET
The White House declined to comment when asked if Trump would pardon Stone.
The dueling legal filings came in advance of Stone's Feb. 20 sentencing in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., where Stone was convicted last fall in the case lodged by former special counsel Robert Mueller.
"Stone's lies to Congress and his obstructive conduct are a direct and brazen attack on the rule of law," prosecutors said in their sentencing memorandum.
Federal sentencing guidelines recommended a range of 87 to 108 months in prison for Stone, according to the prosecutors' filing.
Prosecutors said that would be a fitting punishment for the 67-year-old.
However, as much as 62 months of that recommended sentence comes from an enhancement under federal guidelines related to witness tampering.
And prosecutors acknowledged that Judge Amy Berman Jackson could consider the effect of that enhancement when she crafts Stone's sentence, as well as "Credico's own acknowledgement at trial that he and Stone routinely exchanged text messages with hyperbolic language and Credico's post-trial contention that he did not seriously believe that Stone intended to do him physical harm."
But later Monday, Stone's lawyers in their own filing disputed the sentencing guideline calculation detailed by prosecutors. They argued that a correct calculation would show a suggested prison term of between 15 and 21 months.
But they also called on Jackson to depart downward from those guidelines and give Stone a sentence without any time in prison. Among other factors they cited in their argument was unspecified health issues he has.
"It is respectfully submitted that the Court should impose a non-Guidelines sentence of probation with any conditions that the Court deems reasonable under the circumstances," the lawyers wrote.
"Stone does not seek to minimize the seriousness of the charges of which he has been convicted — indeed, he is painfully aware of the severity of the situation," the lawyers wrote.
But, they added, "As a 67-year-old first time offender convicted of serious but non-violent crimes, Roger Stone's history and characteristics support a sentence below the advisory Guidelines range of imprisonment."
"As detailed in the accompanying letters from his family and friends, Roger Stone is far more than the persona he projects in the media. As those who know him well attest, he is a man devoted to his friends and family, but also someone who has repeatedly extended himself well beyond the normal range to assist virtual strangers," the filing said.
The defense submission included multiple letters supporting Stone, including ones from his wife, Nydia, who wrote, "I have hard time envisioning life without my husband."
"If Roger is sent to jail, I will have no means to support myself and there are no savings to fall back on," Nydia Stone wrote.
Other letters testified to Stone's friendship, loyalty, excellent advice, and compassion.
But prosecutors noted in their filing that "the House Intelligence Committee investigation that Stone obstructed was examining allegations that 'the Russian government, at the direction of President Vladimir Putin, sought to sow discord in American society and undermine our faith in the democratic process.'"
In particular, that committee was eyeing claims that Russia was involved in the decision by WikiLeaks to publish documents related to the 2016 presidential election, which included emails stolen by Russian agents from the campaign chief for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and from the Democratic National Committee
"Stone knew the gravity of the House Intelligence Committee's investigation when he obstructed it comby giving false testimony and tampering with a witness," prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo.
"Indeed, Stone acknowledged as much in his opening statement before the Committee. Stone chose — consciously, repeatedly, and flagrantly – to obstruct and interfere with the search for the truth on an issue of vital importance to all Americans," the memo said.
"This Court should impose a sentence that accurately reflects the value the judicial system places on the need to allow witnesses to testify truthfully without threat or interference, and the importance of testifying truthfully under oath."
Stone's sentence also needs to reflect the seriousness of his offense and the fact that he was fully aware of the crimes being committed, prosecutors argued.
"Stone's criminal conduct was not an act of desperation," the memo said. "Rather, his conduct was undertaken purposefully, by someone who knew exactly what he was doing."
"Stone was not compelled to testify falsely before Congress," prosecutors wrote. "He could have told the truth, or he could have declined the invitation to testify altogether."
"Instead, Stone chose another option: he lied to Congress and then he tampered with a witness who could expose those lies," the memo said. "Stone's goal, at the outset, was to obstruct the Committee's search for the truth.
Last month, Credico said in a letter to the judge that Stone does not deserve to go to prison despite having engaged in "lowbrow character attacks," spun "conspiracy tales" and threatened to steal the comedian's dog.
"I am writing to respectfully yet fervently implore you not to sentence Roger Stone to prison," wrote Credico in his letter to Jackson.
"It is not justice" to send Stone to prison, Credico wrote. "It is cruelty."
Credico had testified how Stone tried to get him to back up Stone's lies to Congress about his contacts with WikiLeaks.


cnbc--2020-02-11--'A Frankenstein creation': Saudi prince says US peace plan takes away Palestine's heart and soul

President Donald Trump 's Middle East peace plan is a `` monstrous conception '' of a Palestinian state that is not going to progress any further , according to a former chief of Saudi intelligence .
The U.S. unveiled its long-awaited peace initiative for an Israeli-Palestinian deal with great fanfare late last month .
The proposal , which Trump delivered standing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , would give Israel most of what it has sought during decades of conflict .
This includes the disputed city of Jerusalem and recognition of Israeli sovereignty over settlements in the occupied West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposal outright , while Israel strongly supports it .
`` What I have seen so far of that deal is that it is trying to make of Palestine what I can call a Frankenstein creation , '' Saudi Arabia 's Prince Turki Al Faisal told CNBC 's Hadley Gamble at the Milken Institute MENA Summit in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday .
It is `` generally just a monstrous conception of a Palestinian state .
It 's rightful capital Jerusalem is stripped from it , so that takes away its heart , and its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its soul . ''
`` So , it is not going to go very far — not only in our part of the world — but the whole world has rejected it , '' Al Faisal said .
The White House was not immediately available to comment when contacted by CNBC on Tuesday .

President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan is a "monstrous conception" of a Palestinian state that is not going to progress any further, according to a former chief of Saudi intelligence.
The U.S. unveiled its long-awaited peace initiative for an Israeli-Palestinian deal with great fanfare late last month.
The proposal, which Trump delivered standing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, would give Israel most of what it has sought during decades of conflict. This includes the disputed city of Jerusalem and recognition of Israeli sovereignty over settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Palestine has rejected the U.S. proposal outright, while Israel strongly supports it.
"What I have seen so far of that deal is that it is trying to make of Palestine what I can call a Frankenstein creation," Saudi Arabia's Prince Turki Al Faisal told CNBC's Hadley Gamble at the Milken Institute MENA Summit in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
It is "generally just a monstrous conception of a Palestinian state. It's rightful capital Jerusalem is stripped from it, so that takes away its heart, and its borders are undefined and that takes away its soul."
"So, it is not going to go very far — not only in our part of the world — but the whole world has rejected it," Al Faisal said.
In response, a U.S. administration official told CNBC that Al Faisal was "no longer relevant and his comments are not aligned with the Saudi government."


cnbc--2020-02-11--Trump looks to kill student loan forgiveness program

As student debt continues to climb , President Donald Trump on Monday released a budget for 2021 that would slash many of the programs aimed at helping borrowers .
Student loan spending would be cut by $ 170 billion in Trump 's plan , titled `` A Budget for America 's Future . ''
The reductions include `` sensible annual and lifetime loan limits '' for graduate students and parents and the end to subsidized loans , in which the government covers the interest for borrowers who are still in school or experiencing economic hardship .
It would also reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and nix the popular , if challenged , public service loan forgiveness program .
More from Personal Finance : How to buy a house despite student debt Here 's one way to help determine a good cash cushion One in 5 fear they 'll owe the IRS money this spring That program , signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2007 , allows not-for-profit and government employees to have their federal student loans canceled after 10 years of on-time payments .
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau estimates that up to one-quarter @ @ @ @ @ @

As student debt continues to climb, President Donald Trump on Monday released a budget for 2021 that would slash many of the programs aimed at helping borrowers.
Student loan spending would be cut by $170 billion in Trump's plan, titled "A Budget for America's Future." The reductions include "sensible annual and lifetime loan limits" for graduate students and parents and the end to subsidized loans, in which the government covers the interest for borrowers who are still in school or experiencing economic hardship.
It would also reduce the number of repayment options for borrowers and nix the popular, if challenged, public service loan forgiveness program.
More from Personal Finance:
How to buy a house despite student debt
Here's one way to help determine a good cash cushion
One in 5 fear they'll owe the IRS money this spring
That program, signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2007, allows not-for-profit and government employees to have their federal student loans canceled after 10 years of on-time payments. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau estimates that up to one-quarter of American workers are eligible.


cnbc--2020-02-12--Bernie Sanders narrowly beats Pete Buttigieg in New Hampshire primary, NBC News projects

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-VT ) at a campaign event at the Whittemore Center Arena on February 10 , 2020 in Durham , New Hampshire .
Bernie Sanders will win Tuesday 's New Hampshire Democratic primary , NBC News projected , setting him up near the top of a fractured presidential field .
The Vermont senator will edge out former South Bend , Ind .
Mayor Pete Buttigieg .
Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota will come in third , according to NBC .
As of the latest results Wednesday morning , with 97 % of precincts reporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vote , while Buttigieg had more than 24 % .
The difference was slightly more than 4,000 votes .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and former Vice President Joe Biden were vying for fourth place as final results came in .
Neither candidate will reach the 15 % threshold needed to win pledged delegates , statewide and in both of its congressional districts .
The victory gives Sanders an early boost in the push for the Democratic presidential nomination after he left the Iowa caucuses with the second-most pledged national delegates in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a series of generally larger , more diverse states , where the Vermont senator has outperformed Buttigieg and Klobuchar in polls .
`` Let me say tonight that this victory here is the beginning of the end for Donald Trump , '' he told supporters as news outlets started to project his victory .
Sanders and Buttigieg are expected to be awarded the same share of New Hampshire 's 24 delegates : nine each , according to NBC News .
Klobuchar is projected to win six .
Both Buttigieg and Klobuchar appeared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thanks to you , a campaign that some said should n't be here at all has showed that we are here to stay , '' Buttigieg told supporters Tuesday night .
The first-in-the-nation primary is a key proving ground for candidates in the field hoping to take on President Donald Trump , which was 11 people strong entering Tuesday .
Buttigieg left the nation 's first nominating contest , the Iowa caucuses , with the most pledged national delegates .
Sanders followed closely behind him .
The early nominating contests have typically narrowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became the first candidate to suspend his campaign after the New Hampshire results started coming in Tuesday night , followed by Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado .
They found themselves well behind the primary leaders as data trickled in .
In speaking to supporters Tuesday night , several candidates argued they had the best shot to deny the president a second term .
Klobuchar started her remarks by saying , `` I 'm Amy Klobuchar , and I will beat Donald Trump . ''
Warren , despite a poor performance in the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cast herself as `` a nominee that the broadest coalition of our party feels they can get behind . ''

Democratic presidential hopeful Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders speaks at a Primary Night event at the SNHU Field House in Manchester, New Hampshire on February 11, 2020. Timothy A. Clary | AFP | Getty Images
Bernie Sanders will win Tuesday's New Hampshire Democratic primary, NBC News projected, setting him up near the top of a fractured presidential field. The Vermont senator will edge out former South Bend, Ind. Mayor Pete Buttigieg. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota will come in third, according to NBC. As of the latest results Wednesday afternoon, with 99% of precincts reporting, Sanders had nearly 26% of the vote, while Buttigieg had more than 24%. The difference was about 4,000 votes. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and former Vice President Joe Biden were vying for fourth place as final results came in. Neither candidate will reach the 15% threshold needed to win pledged delegates, statewide and in both of its congressional districts. The victory gives Sanders an early boost in the push for the Democratic presidential nomination after he left the Iowa caucuses with the second-most pledged national delegates in the field. The process now enters a series of generally larger, more diverse states, where the Vermont senator has outperformed Buttigieg and Klobuchar in polls. "Let me say tonight that this victory here is the beginning of the end for Donald Trump," he told supporters as news outlets started to project his victory.
Sanders and Buttigieg are expected to be awarded the same share of New Hampshire's 24 delegates: nine each, according to NBC News. Klobuchar is projected to win six. Both Buttigieg and Klobuchar appeared to perform well with late-deciding voters. "Thanks to you, a campaign that some said shouldn't be here at all has showed that we are here to stay," Buttigieg told supporters Tuesday night. The first-in-the-nation primary is a key proving ground for candidates in the field hoping to take on President Donald Trump, which was 11 people strong entering Tuesday. Buttigieg left the nation's first nominating contest, the Iowa caucuses, with the most pledged national delegates. Sanders followed closely behind him. The early nominating contests have typically narrowed the primary field. Entrepreneur Andrew Yang became the first candidate to suspend his campaign after the New Hampshire results started coming in Tuesday night, followed by Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado. They found themselves well behind the primary leaders as data trickled in. In speaking to supporters Tuesday night, several candidates argued they had the best shot to deny the president a second term. Klobuchar started her remarks by saying, "I'm Amy Klobuchar, and I will beat Donald Trump." Warren, despite a poor performance in the state that neighbors her home of Massachusetts, cast herself as "a nominee that the broadest coalition of our party feels they can get behind."
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cnbc--2020-02-12--Joe Biden's donors are divided on his 2020 prospects after New Hampshire, Iowa flops

Democratic 2020 U.S. presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden visits a polling station on the day of New Hampshire 's first-in-the-nation primary in Manchester , New Hampshire U.S. , February 11 , 2020 .
Joe Biden 's donors are divided over whether the former vice president can raise enough cash to persist in the Democratic presidential primary race following his weak showing in the New Hampshire primary .
Panic set in among some of Biden 's financiers on Wall Street and in other industries when it became clear Tuesday night that the one-time Democratic front-runner would n't hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delegates from the New Hampshire vote .
Other Biden supporters , however , shrugged off the lackluster showing while they wait and see what happens in the Nevada caucus Feb. 22 and the South Carolina primary Feb. 29 .
Some Biden bundlers , who declined to be named due to concern about upsetting the campaign , told CNBC that members of their donor networks are already calling to say that the former vice president 's flop in the Granite State looks like an insurmountable hurdle .
These donors are also saying that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he continues under performing .
Biden finished the Iowa caucuses in fourth place and seemed headed for a fifth-place finish in New Hampshire behind Sen. Bernie Sanders , former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg , Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Sen. Elizabeth Warren .
NBC News projected late Tuesday that Sanders had won the primary .
These Biden supporters were disappointed in how he failed to capture enough support from voters to capture a single delegate .
Warren also could n't meet the voter threshold in the state .
Biden has lost ground among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Iowa has led to a bunch of previously undecided business executives to head toward his camp .
Since Iowa , Biden has seen a drop in polls nationally .
Sanders has overtaken him in the Real Clear Politics polling average .
One of the disappointed Biden fundraisers , who has known the former vice president for over a decade , said that failure in New Hampshire could indicate that disaster awaits Biden on Super Tuesday , which takes place March 3 .
More than a dozen states , including big prizes like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that day .
`` Even if we stay active for the next two races after another big loss , I suspect the remaining air will leak out of the balloon before Super Tuesday , '' this person said late Tuesday as results rolled in from New Hampshire .
Biden 's campaign has repeatedly said it expects to have their best showing in South Carolina , which has a much bigger black population than Iowa and New Hampshire , and to make inroads on Super Tuesday .
So far , polling has indicated that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field among black Democrats , although recent polls show fellow moderate Mike Bloomberg and progressive Sanders cutting into that margin .
To compete in those states the Biden will need to have enough cash on hand , something it has struggled with throughout the 2020 election cycle .
At the end of the fourth quarter , Biden finished with $ 8.9 million on hand .

Democratic 2020 U.S. presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden visits a polling station on the day of New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary in Manchester, New Hampshire U.S., February 11, 2020.
Joe Biden's donors are divided over whether the former vice president can raise enough cash to persist in the Democratic presidential primary race following his weak showing in the New Hampshire primary.
Panic set in among some of Biden's financiers on Wall Street and in other industries when it became clear Tuesday night that the one-time Democratic front-runner wouldn't hit the 15% threshold to score any delegates from the New Hampshire vote.
Other Biden supporters, however, shrugged off the lackluster showing while they wait and see what happens in the Nevada caucus Feb. 22 and the South Carolina primary Feb. 29.
Some Biden bundlers, who declined to be named due to concern about upsetting the campaign, told CNBC that members of their donor networks are already calling to say that the former vice president's flop in the Granite State looks like an insurmountable hurdle. These donors are also saying that they will stop backing Biden's campaign if he continues under performing.
Biden finished the Iowa caucuses in fourth place and seemed headed for a fifth-place finish in New Hampshire behind Sen. Bernie Sanders, former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Sen. Elizabeth Warren. NBC News projected late Tuesday that Sanders had won the primary.
These Biden supporters were disappointed in how he failed to capture enough support from voters to capture a single delegate. Warren also couldn't meet the voter threshold in the state.
Biden has lost ground among donors and voters. Buttigieg's surge in Iowa has led to a bunch of previously undecided business executives to head toward his camp. Since Iowa, Biden has seen a drop in polls nationally. Sanders has overtaken him in the Real Clear Politics polling average.
One of the disappointed Biden fundraisers, who has known the former vice president for over a decade, said that failure in New Hampshire could indicate that disaster awaits Biden on Super Tuesday, which takes place March 3. More than a dozen states, including big prizes like Texas and California, hold their primaries that day.
"Even if we stay active for the next two races after another big loss, I suspect the remaining air will leak out of the balloon before Super Tuesday," this person said late Tuesday as results rolled in from New Hampshire.
Biden's campaign has repeatedly said it expects to have their best showing in South Carolina, which has a much bigger black population than Iowa and New Hampshire, and to make inroads on Super Tuesday. So far, polling has indicated that Biden enjoys the most support in the field among black Democrats, although recent polls show fellow moderate Mike Bloomberg and progressive Sanders cutting into that margin.
To compete in those states the Biden will need to have enough cash on hand, something it has struggled with throughout the 2020 election cycle. At the end of the fourth quarter, Biden finished with $8.9 million on hand.