usatoday--2020-02-11--Trump says he'd like to run against 'lightweight' Bloomberg - live primary results

Voting has started in the New Hampshire primary .
Check back for updates throughout the day .
Most New Hampshire voters participating in the first-in-the-nation Democratic primary Tuesday are “ angry ” with the Trump administration , support a Medicare-for-All style health care plan , and think the nominee ’ s most important quality is the ability to beat President Donald Trump in November , according to an exit poll conducted for CNN and other television networks .
Surveys of voters taken before polls closed in the Granite State provide an early indication of what ’ s motivating people as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exit poll , conducted by Edison Research for the National Election Pool , are based on interviews conducted throughout the day with 1,947 randomly selected Democratic primary voters at 45 wards in New Hampshire .
Results for the full sample have a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points .
• Nearly half who say they decided on their candidate did so only in the past few days , a sign of how in flux the Democratic field is .
• About half said Friday ’ s debate in Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote for president .
• By a roughly 2-1 margin , voters said they are looking for a candidate who can beat President Trump over one who agrees with them on the issues , echoing similar trends found in previous voter surveys .
• Eight in 10 say they 're `` angry '' about the Trump administration .
• About four in 10 cited health care as the most important issue , and six in 10 said they could support a single-government plan , such as Medicare for All , a program outed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change was the next most often cited issue with about 3 in 10 naming it their top concern .
The exit polls also showed two trends that could be warning signs for Sanders , according to MS-NBC About a third of voters were 65 or older , compared to only 11 % between 18 and 29 .
In addition , about four in 10 identified themselves as moderates or conservatives compared to about two in ten who called themselves “ very liberal.
” Progressives and younger voters have been the core of Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d like to run against ‘ lightweight ’ Bloomberg President Donald Trump offered his thoughts on the Democratic presidential field on Tuesday just a couple of hours before polls closed in New Hampshire ’ s first-in-the-nation presidential primary .
Trump mocked former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg as “ lightweight ” and accused him of trying to buy the Democratic nomination .
“ He ’ s also one of the worst debaters I ’ ve ever seen , ” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office .
Trump said he ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Bernie Sanders .
“ Sanders has real followers , ” Trump said .
“ 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 is just buying his way in.
” Asked about former Vice President Joe Biden ’ s campaign , Trump said : “ It ’ s stumbling .
It ’ s mumbling .
Not pretty . ''
But Trump said he thought Biden still had time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s not going to be easy , ” Trump said , but “ I think he can turn it around .
I think he has a shot .
He ’ s got probably almost as good a shot as anyone .
But he ’ s going to have to work very hard – much harder than they thought.
” Democratic strategists will be watching closely after muddled Iowa results All eyes will be on participation in New Hampshire ’ s first-in-the-nation primary as Democratic strategists wrestle with the consequential uncertainty of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nine months left on the election calendar .
Lower-than-expected participation in the Feb. 3 Iowa caucuses and arena-packed crowds at President Donald Trump ’ s rallies that have eclipsed those of his rivals – including one on the eve of the New Hampshire primary – have rattled some and undermined the early narrative that Democrats are so energized after losing in 2016 that they ’ re ready to show up in droves in 2020 .
The Granite State ’ s participation in Tuesday ’ s primary could portend whether Democrats are facing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clinton four years ago .
“ Democrats can ’ t just take it for granted that we ’ ll have an enthusiasm advantage in November , ” said Josh Schwerin with Priorities USA Action , a political action committee that supports Democratic candidates .
“ Just having Trump on the ballot isn ’ t enough.
” A higher turnout in New Hampshire would allay concerns over the challenges facing Democrats in November , including a strong economy and volatility in their own field .
But strategists warn it ’ s still early in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dynamic could change as the field begins to narrow and Democrats coalesce around a candidate .
Read more on whether the Democrats face an enthusiasm gap as they prepare to take on Trump .
MANCHESTER , N.H. – Needing a strong performance in her neighboring state that overperforms her sagging projections , Elizabeth Warren thanked supporters outside a voting site here Tuesday afternoon , telling them , “ We ’ re going to do this together.
” Warren , U.S. senator from Massachusetts , arrived to chants of “ Big structural change ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dozens of her followers outside Webster Elementary School north of downtown Manchester .
“ We love you , Elizabeth !
” one woman yelled .
The senator took turns taking selfies as she greeted a line of fans that led to the school ’ s front-door .
“ Fighting back is an act of patriotism , ” Warren said to one man who called her a patriot .
“ That ’ s right !
” he responded .
Warren ignored questions from reporters asking what a victory looks like Tuesday and whether she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one time , Warren was considered a strong contender in New Hampshire given its proximity to Massachusetts .
But now many polls have her in fourth place , surpassed most recently by the surging Sen. Amy Klobuchar .
Any finish lower than the top two would raise questions about the long-term viability of her campaign – but the campaign is already pushing back .
“ After New Hampshire tonight , 98 % of pledged delegates will still be up for grabs , ” Warren ’ s campaign manager Roger Lau wrote in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ And as the race consolidates after Super Tuesday , we expect the results to show that Elizabeth Warren is the consensus choice of the widest coalition of Democrats in every corner of the country.
” Warren ’ s volunteers outside the Manchester polling site said they still have confidence she can win the nomination .
“ Not at all , ” said Colin Pio , a Warren volunteer from Manchester , when asked whether he has concerns about her poll numbers .
“ Look , I worked for Hillary Clinton here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election morning and she was down 10 points and she ended up winning .
Who knows what ’ s going to happen ?
“ Frankly , I think this race is going to go on for months after months at this point .
This is the tip of the iceberg.
” MaryRose Mazzola , a campaign volunteer from Boston , touted Warren ’ s ground game and said Warren historically outperforms her polling .
She ’ s hopeful she can finish at least third in New Hampshire .
“ Especially with third place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a great shot at it , ” said Mazzola , who is chief of staff for Massachusetts state Sen. Barry Finegold , a Democrat from Andover , Massachusetts .
“ The chaos in Iowa has kind of led to the race continuing to be wide open , ” Mazzola said .
She ’ s a unique candidate .
You see the polling where she ’ s a lot of people ’ s second as well as first choice .
So , I think third would be strong and could translate , get the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the country.
” Biden will leave New Hampshire earlier than expected to go to South Carolina WASHINGTON – Former Vice President Joe Biden will leave New Hampshire earlier than expected Tuesday to go campaign in South Carolina .
Ahead of what could be a lower finish in the Granite State , the Biden campaign announced he and his wife Jill Biden would leave New Hampshire following the conclusion of the primary , opting out of a planned event in Nashua , and travel to South Carolina .
The Bidens will instead attend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cedric Richmond , D-La.
, and address New Hampshire supporters in a livestream .
According to the campaign , Joe Biden ’ s sister Valerie Biden Owens would thank New Hampshire campaign supporters in person .
In a statement , Biden said he had “ enjoyed traveling across New Hampshire ” but was “ looking forward to traveling to South Carolina this evening and Nevada later this week ” to hear from diverse voters .
The South Carolina primary is Feb. 29 .
Live results : Follow results from the New Hampshire Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit here ' : Biden faces big test in New Hampshire , where he ’ s struggling in polls According to Bloomberg News reporter Jennifer Epstein , Biden told reporters he was `` mildly hopeful here in New Hampshire '' shortly after his campaign announced the change in scheduling .
The primary electorates in South Carolina and Nevada , the next two states to hold Democratic presidential primaries , are more diverse than those in New Hampshire and Iowa .
Biden has maintained stronger poll numbers among minorities as he has slipped in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poll released today showed Biden dropping 14 percentage points nationally since last month , from 30 % to 16 % , and the RealClearPolitics average of New Hampshire polls has him tied for fourth place in the state with Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass .
‘ Having Trump on the ballot isn ’ t enough : Democrats battle to rev up enthusiasm for November New Hampshire voters look to Sanders , Klobuchar , Buttigieg as they seek nominee to take on Trump MANCHESTER , N.H. – Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Hampshire Democratic primary voters leaving Parker Varney School , set in a middle-class neighborhood in west Manchester , Tuesday afternoon .
But Sen. Amy Klobuchar , D-Minn. , who has shot up in polls in recent days in New Hampshire , had converts as well .
Leaving the polls , Marilyn Muir , 88 , said she decided to vote for Klobuchar following her strong televised debate performance Friday .
“ She was so determined and so honest , ” said Muir , who is retired .
“ That ’ s what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I hadn ’ t determined who I would vote for .
It was between her and Biden , but I went for her.
” Muir voted for Sanders , who is 78 , in 2016 but said she has concerns with his age this year .
“ He ’ d be good except that he ’ s too old .
That ’ s a stress on a man that age.
” But Sean Karkos , a 29-year-old attorney , said he voted for Sanders last time and again Tuesday .
“ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last election , and I haven ’ t seen any change in his policies or what he ’ s arguing for.
” He cited Sanders ’ progressive causes – closing the wealth gap , pushing for equal rights and his backing of a Green New Deal – as issues that appeal to him as a voter .
“ I ’ m confident he can beat Donald Trump .
Fortunately , I think most of the people running today could.
” Sanders , who leads all the latest polls , is the overwhelming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He won New Hampshire in the 2016 primary by 22 percentage points .
But Klobuchar has rapidly surged in the state in recent days , while former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg , has enjoyed a big post-Iowa bounce as well .
Mike Barber , a former construction worker who also voted for Sanders , said he almost switched to Klobuchar at the last second , but opted to back Sanders as he did in 2016 .
“ I just like his passion .
I like some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 56 , said.
” I don ’ t agree with everything he says .
He just hits my instincts .
I think he ’ s the man .
People ask if he can stick up in a general election to Trump .
But I absolutely think he can .
That ’ s my biggest concern right now.
” “ Socialist this , socialist that , ” Barber said , dismissing criticism that Sanders is too far to the left to defeat Trump .
“ But he can ’ t do anything without Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 27 , a self-described moderate who voted for Sanders , backed Sanders in the 2016 primary but voted for Trump in the general election over Hillary Clinton .
“ I ’ m a small business owner , so a lot of people focus on some of his plans that are going to increase taxes , ” said Johansen , who owns a phone and tablet repair shop .
“ But a big thing for me is the struggle to find good reliable help especially with health care .
The way it is today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a small business owner with what these larger businesses can offer for health benefits.
” He said he found common ground in some of Sanders ’ and Trump ’ s positions back in 2016 , but has regret for voting for Trump .
He called it “ Trump-gret , ” and plans to “ most likely ” support the Democratic nominee against Trump regardless of who that is .
“ Some people like the way he acts , but I think it ’ s childish and he needs to keep things professional as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg defended his electability in an interview with NBC 's `` Today '' show Tuesday as voters cast their ballots in New Hampshire 's primary election .
Polls have consistently shown Buttigieg with little backing among African-Americans , a group whose support former Vice President Joe Biden has touted as evidence he is best suited to become the nominee of a party that prides itself on diversity .
But Buttigieg argued that a good performance in New Hampshire , on the heels of his apparent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Associated Press has still not called that race – will give him a boost with minority voters .
`` Voters of color who are laser focused on defeating this president , more than anything else , want to know that you can actually win , '' Buttigieg said .
He said the positive results from the first two contests have given his campaign `` the look that we now need as we will travel directly to states like Nevada , South Carolina and the Super Tuesday states that have a lot of racial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case eye-to-eye.
” Voting has started in the New Hampshire primary The first votes in the first-in-the-nation primary were cast just after midnight in three small New Hampshire towns on Tuesday .
In Dixville Notch , where midnight voting became a tradition in 1960 , the town 's remaining five residents delivered a surprise victory for former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg with three write-in votes ( one from a registered Republican ) .
The town 's other two votes were split by Sen. Bernie Sanders and former South Bend , Indiana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ town of Millsfield , WMUR reported that most of the residents cast their ballots in the Republican primary , with 16 voting for the incumbent , President Donald Trump , and one for former Massachusetts Gov .
Bill Weld .
Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota received two votes , doubling the totals of Buttigieg , Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden , who got one vote each .
‘ I 'll probably take a hit here ' : Biden faces big test in New Hampshire , where he ’ s struggling in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Hart 's Location with six votes , while Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts got four , entrepreneur Andrew Yang three and Sanders two .
Biden , Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii and billionaire Tom Steyer each got one vote , according to the town 's website .
On the Republican side , Trump got 15 votes while Weld got four and self-described `` states ' rights maniac '' Mary Maxwell got one .
According to New Hampshire law , the polls in those three towns can close as soon as every registered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hart 's Landing boasted that the polls there opened at midnight and closed at 12:04 a.m. , with the results posted by 12:33 .
`` We ’ re off to a great start in New Hampshire today ! ''
Klobuchar tweeted , touting her success in the small sample from the midnight votes .
What to know about today 's New Hampshire primary New Hampshire 's first-in-the-nation primaries are finally upon us — just eight days after chaos surrounding the release of Iowa 's Democratic caucus results .
The primaries began at midnight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dixville Notch — and will stay open in most places until 7 p.m .
ET .
On the Democratic side , Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont heads into Tuesday 's primary as a frontrunner after leading several recent state polls .
The momentum follows his finish in the Iowa caucuses , were he earned the most raw vote support and was in the top two in state delegate equivalents .
'Stakes are incredibly high ' : New Hampshire voters feel the pressure as primary looms Sanders also has a home-field advantage in New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a neighbor , and neighbors have fared well in previous Granite State primaries .
Plus , he 's won New Hampshire before .
In 2016 , Sanders took 60 % of the vote in the Democratic primary , compared to his rival Hillary Clinton at 37 % .
Former South Bend , Indiana , mayor Pete Buttigieg also heads into Tuesday with momentum from the Hawkeye State .
He leads Iowa in state delegate equivalents ( the marker traditionally used to declare a winner ) and the party has stated he received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winner has officially been declared .
He has shot to second place in several New Hampshire polls , and could pick up undecided voters , of which there are still many .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren , who finished third in Iowa and is from the neighboring state of Massachusetts , has fallen slightly in polling ahead of Tuesday .
Once seen as a frontrunner in some early states , some recently polling has seen her fall out of the top 3 .
She will be looking for a surge of enthusiasm in New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead for the first time in national Quinnipiac poll ahead of New Hampshire primary Sen. Amy Klobuchar is seeing a late surge in the state , coming in at third in several of the most recent state polls .
She also could benefit from the number undecided New Hampshire voters .
Former Vice President Joe Biden , however , has been lowering expectations in the state , after his fourth-place finish in Iowa .
Biden on Friday during the Democratic primary debate in New Hampshire said , “ I ’ ll probably take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointing to the upcoming elections in Nevada and South Carolina , where he holds a lead in polling .
On the Republican side , President Donald Trump is expected to win handily over challenger former Gov .
Bill Weld .
Polling has show Trump with a substantial margin of support , and he overwhelming won the Iowa Republican caucus .
The New Hampshire primary is only the second voting contest in the election of a party nominee , but it holds an outsize influence : No Democrat since the 1970s has places lower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nominee.In addition , those who finish at top in the state will likely benefit from media attention and fundraising before the Nevada caucuses and South Carolina primaries .
Check back for updates throughout the day .

Rebecca Morin, William Cummings, Nicholas Wu and Joey Garrison, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-02-11--Paul Ryan: Biden is best Democrat for beating Trump but won't be 'getting the nomination'

WASHINGTON – Former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan , R-Wis. , believes former Vice President Joe Biden is the Democratic candidate most likely to beat President Donald Trump in 2020 — but does n't think he 'll win the nomination .
Speaking Tuesday at the Milken Conference in Abu Dhabi , Ryantold CNBC , `` 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 . ''
Ryan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Biden took a hit in the Iowa caucuses , and is expected to be outperformed in the New Hampshire primaries .
Ryan ran unsuccessfully as Sen. Mitt Romney 's , R-UT.
, running mate in 2012 against former President Barack Obama and Biden , He said that `` it ’ s going be one of these progressives , which I think will be much easier to beat , '' speaking of candidates like Sens .
Bernie Sanders , I-VT. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass .
who both finished stronger than Biden in Iowa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hampshire earlier than expected to go to South Carolina - live primary results ‘ Having Trump on the ballot isn ’ t enough ’ : Democrats battle to rev up enthusiasm for November “ If Bernie keeps racking up wins and is seen to be going toward the nomination , then 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mess of a convention — in Milwaukee , and then we ’ ll see what happens there , ” Ryan explained .
“ I don ’ t see Joe getting the nomination , but he ’ s the best bet the Democrats have.
” Ryan said he believes Biden would perform well in three key states in the general election that are needed to beat Trump : Michigan , Pennsylvania , and Wisconsin .
“ I think Joe is probably the hardest to beat , because it ’ s going to come down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s going to be the suburbanite that ’ ll basically be the difference-maker , ” he said , describing those voters as potential `` first-generation Republicans '' who `` don ’ t necessarily like the personality and the noise and the tweets that come with '' Trump .
“ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Sanders took the lead in a new national poll Monday , overtaking the former Vice President for the first time nationally , just a day before the New Hampshire primaries .
Ahead of what could be a lower finish in the Granite State , the Biden campaign announced he and his wife , Dr. Jill Biden , would leave New Hampshire following the conclusion of the primary , opting out of a planned event in Nashua , and travel to South Carolina .

Paul Ryan: Biden is best Democrat for beating Trump but won't be 'getting the nomination'
Show Caption Hide Caption New Hampshire: Sanders victorious, Yang and Bennet bow out Bernie Sanders beats out Pete Buttigieg to win the New Hampshire primary. Andrew Yang and Michael Bennet drop out of the race. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Wis., believes former Vice President Joe Biden is the Democratic candidate most likely to beat President Donald Trump in 2020 — but doesn't think he'll win the nomination.
Speaking Tuesday at the Milken Conference in Abu Dhabi, Ryan told CNBC, "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."
Ryan's comments come just a few days after Biden took a hit in the Iowa caucuses, and is expected to be outperformed in the New Hampshire primaries. Ryan ran unsuccessfully as Sen. Mitt Romney's, R-UT., running mate in 2012 against former President Barack Obama and Biden,
He said that "it’s going be one of these progressives, which I think will be much easier to beat," speaking of candidates like Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-VT. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. who both finished stronger than Biden in Iowa.
More: Biden will leave New Hampshire earlier than expected to go to South Carolina - live primary results
‘Having Trump on the ballot isn’t enough’: Democrats battle to rev up enthusiasm for November
Difference between caucus and primary, explained The 2020 election is nearing and with that, comes the caucuses and primary elections. But what’s the difference? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
“If Bernie keeps racking up wins and is seen to be going toward the nomination, then 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 see what happens there,” Ryan explained. “I don’t see Joe getting the nomination, but he’s the best bet the Democrats have.”
Ryan said he believes Biden would perform well in three key states in the general election that are needed to beat Trump: Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
“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, describing those voters as potential "first-generation Republicans" who "don’t necessarily like the personality and the noise and the tweets that come with" Trump.
“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.
More: Bloomberg embraces stop and frisk in resurfaced 2015 audio
Sanders took the lead in a new national poll Monday, overtaking the former Vice President for the first time nationally, just a day before the New Hampshire primaries.
Ahead of what could be a lower finish in the Granite State, the Biden campaign announced he and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, would leave New Hampshire following the conclusion of the primary, opting out of a planned event in Nashua, and travel to South Carolina.


usatoday--2020-02-11--'Having Trump on the ballot isn't enough': Democrats battle to rev up enthusiasm for November

WASHINGTON – As the Democratic presidential candidates begin a sprint to determine who will take on President Donald Trump this fall , party insiders are wrestling with another consequential uncertainty : whether voters are already tuning out .
Lower-than-expected participation in the Feb. 3 Iowa caucuses and massive audiences at Trump 's rallies that have eclipsed those of his rivals – including one on the eve of the New Hampshire primary – have undermined an early narrative that Democrats are so energized after losing in 2016 that they 're ready to show up in droves in 2020 .
As the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hampshire primary Tuesday for signs of who might emerge from the crowded field to be the Democratic nominee , party leaders will also scrutinize turnout figures to assess whether they 're facing the same enthusiasm headwinds that worked against Hillary Clinton four years ago .
Live coverage : Biden will leave New Hampshire earlier than expected '' Democrats can ’ t just take it for granted that we ’ ll have an enthusiasm advantage in November , '' said Josh Schwerin of Priorities USA Action , a political action committee that supports Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ballot isn ’ t enough . ''
Schwerin said his group 's polling indicates high enthusiasm for both Democrats and Republicans , but he acknowledged that `` we need to work for it . ''
Democrats are increasingly worried about Trump 's advantages , from the strong economy to the volatility in their own field .
Two-thirds of voters expect Trump to be reelected in November even as most Americans believe he doesn ’ t deserve a second term , according to a Monmouth University Poll released Tuesday .
Just 11 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominee will `` definitely beat '' Trump , while 38 % of Democrats said it ’ s more likely than not that Trump will win a second term .
A high turnout in New Hampshire would ease some of the Democratic jitters .
Bill Gardner , New Hampshire ’ s secretary of state , last week predicted a record turnout for the primary , forecasting that 292,000 people would cast a vote for a Democrat , up slightly from 2008 .
But the state 's Democratic Party chairman , Raymond Buckley , sought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week with reporters .
As they crisscrossed the Granite State days before the first-in-the-nation primary , the Democratic candidates cast themselves as best positioned to take on Trump .
Former Vice President Joe Biden released a scorching ad questioning whether Pete Buttigieg 's experience as mayor of South Bend , Indiana , prepared him for the White House .
Buttigieg , meanwhile , slammed Sen. Bernie Sanders , telling NBC in an interview that it `` would be very difficult '' for Sanders to beat the president in November .
But as Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electability , Trump – who does not face a serious threat for the GOP nomination this year – filled a nearly 12,000-seat arena in Manchester , N.H. , for a rally Monday night .
Free from the impeachment proceedings that cast a shadow over his presidency for months , Trump touted low U.S. unemployment to jubilant supporters and projected an image of Republican unity .
On the stump : Trump predicts Coronavirus will be gone by April during N.H. rally Repeating a similar surrogate surge he employed in Iowa , Trump was joined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congressional allies , including Sens .
Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , and Rand Paul , R-K.Y.
, as well as GOP Reps. Kevin McCarthy of California , Mark Meadows of North Carolina and Matt Gaetz of Florida .
`` You know , they always talk about the Democrats , they have enthusiasm .
We have so much more enthusiasm , it 's not even close , '' Trump told the raucous crowd .
`` They are all fighting each other .
...
They do n't know what the hell they are doing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ polling in the run up to the primary , delivered the next-closest display of energy to Trump 's , drawing about 7,500 supporters to a University of New Hampshire rally and concert Monday night .
Buttigieg , riding momentum after a strong Iowa finish , gathered a crowd of 1,800 on Sunday .
Sanders argued he ’ s the best candidate to turn out young people , and polls show that much of his support in New Hampshire is concentrated within that voting bloc .
In fact , 44 % of voters ages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a CNN poll by the University of New Hampshire this week .
Biden , who has downplayed his New Hampshire prospects after his fourth-place finish in Iowa , abruptly left the state Tuesday to begin campaigning in South Carolina , where he has maintained a comfortable lead in recent polling .
The fact that there are multiple candidates vying for the nomination should increase turnout and enthusiasm , said Lynn Vavreck , a UCLA political scientist .
`` To the extant there is a lack of enthusiasm , it may be coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sense of fatigue with politics or the possibility that none of the candidates excite their base of support very much , '' she said .
Democratic strategists speculated that voters may be slow to engage in part because , unlike in 2008 when record numbers turned out for Barack Obama , the economy is strong and there is n't an anti-war sentiment coursing through the party 's psyche .
Trump 's unorthodox presidency may viscerally bother Democrats , said Democratic strategist Michael Ceraso , but it does n't hit them in the pocketbooks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Trump , who frustrates voters with his tone and bravado , but he doesn ’ t elicit a reactive response from voters who need a personal reason – not a symbolic one – to cast a vote in an election , '' Ceraso said .
`` Democrats have yet to find a message for these voters .
And that could prove problematic in pivot counties . ''
Self-doubt among Democrats was exacerbated in Iowa , where turnout fell far short of the record 240,000 caucusgoers in 2008 .
Though the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher than in 2016 , the showing ran counter to the idea that Democrats animated to oppose Trump would show up in high numbers .
Democratic Party officials had predicted last week ’ s caucuses would eclipse the 2008 results , especially after the 2018 midterms saw the highest turnout rate in recent history .
That wave of support gave Democrats control of the House of Representatives .
William Howell , a political scientist at the University of Chicago , speculated that Iowa 's turnout may be less about enthusiasm and more about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of clarity from Iowa underscored a persistent cleavage between liberal and moderate voters – not to mention overall concerns about uniting behind any candidate who can beat Trump .
That anxiety was triggered further by Biden , Howell said , a candidate who staked his claim to the nomination on his ability to beat Trump but who has struggled for oxygen .
`` I don ’ t think the Democrats see a way to bridge these differences , and that stokes anxiety about what ’ s likely to play out in the fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field looks more impressive than any individual candidate does .
And at the end of the day , they ’ ve got to settle on an individual . ''
And that raises a key point : It 's early .
The entire dynamic could change when the field begins to narrow and Democrats settle on a candidate .
`` We don ’ t know yet about the enthusiasm gap between the Democrats and the Republicans , ” Howell said .
“ But I think we can speak to the lingering anxieties and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the aftermath of Iowa .
All that build up for what , exactly ?
”

John Fritze and Courtney Subramanian, USA TODAY

‘Having Trump on the ballot isn’t enough’: Democrats battle to rev up enthusiasm for November
Show Caption Hide Caption Difference between caucus and primary, explained The 2020 election is nearing and with that, comes the caucuses and primary elections. But what’s the difference? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – As the Democratic presidential candidates begin a sprint to determine who will take on President Donald Trump this fall, party insiders are wrestling with another consequential uncertainty: whether voters are already tuning out.
Lower-than-expected participation in the Feb. 3 Iowa caucuses and massive audiences at Trump's rallies that have eclipsed those of his rivals – including one on the eve of the New Hampshire primary – have undermined an early narrative that Democrats are so energized after losing in 2016 that they're ready to show up in droves in 2020.
As the nation parses the results of the New Hampshire primary Tuesday for signs of who might emerge from the crowded field to be the Democratic nominee, party leaders will also scrutinize turnout figures to assess whether they're facing the same enthusiasm headwinds that worked against Hillary Clinton four years ago.
Turnout: Iowa Democratic caucus turnout surpassed 2016 but fell short of 2008
Live coverage: Biden will leave New Hampshire earlier than expected
"Democrats can’t just take it for granted that we’ll have an enthusiasm advantage in November," said Josh Schwerin of Priorities USA Action, a political action committee that supports Democratic candidates. "Just having Trump on the ballot isn’t enough."
Schwerin said his group's polling indicates high enthusiasm for both Democrats and Republicans, but he acknowledged that "we need to work for it."
Democrats are increasingly worried about Trump's advantages, from the strong economy to the volatility in their own field. Two-thirds of voters expect Trump to be reelected in November even as most Americans believe he doesn’t deserve a second term, according to a Monmouth University Poll released Tuesday. Just 11% of Democrats said their party’s nominee will "definitely beat" Trump, while 38% of Democrats said it’s more likely than not that Trump will win a second term.
A high turnout in New Hampshire would ease some of the Democratic jitters. Bill Gardner, New Hampshire’s secretary of state, last week predicted a record turnout for the primary, forecasting that 292,000 people would cast a vote for a Democrat, up slightly from 2008. But the state's Democratic Party chairman, Raymond Buckley, sought to lower expectations during a call this week with reporters.
'Not even close'
As they crisscrossed the Granite State days before the first-in-the-nation primary, the Democratic candidates cast themselves as best positioned to take on Trump. Former Vice President Joe Biden released a scorching ad questioning whether Pete Buttigieg's experience as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, prepared him for the White House.
Buttigieg, meanwhile, slammed Sen. Bernie Sanders, telling NBC in an interview that it "would be very difficult" for Sanders to beat the president in November.
But as Democrats fired verbal shots at one another about electability, Trump – who does not face a serious threat for the GOP nomination this year – filled a nearly 12,000-seat arena in Manchester, N.H., for a rally Monday night. Free from the impeachment proceedings that cast a shadow over his presidency for months, Trump touted low U.S. unemployment to jubilant supporters and projected an image of Republican unity.
On the stump: Trump predicts Coronavirus will be gone by April during N.H. rally
Repeating a similar surrogate surge he employed in Iowa, Trump was joined by members of his family and several congressional allies, including Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Rand Paul, R-K.Y., as well as GOP Reps. Kevin McCarthy of California, Mark Meadows of North Carolina and Matt Gaetz of Florida.
"You know, they always talk about the Democrats, they have enthusiasm. We have so much more enthusiasm, it's not even close," Trump told the raucous crowd. "They are all fighting each other. ... They don't know what the hell they are doing."
Sanders, leading in New Hampshire polling in the run up to the primary, delivered the next-closest display of energy to Trump's, drawing about 7,500 supporters to a University of New Hampshire rally and concert Monday night. Buttigieg, riding momentum after a strong Iowa finish, gathered a crowd of 1,800 on Sunday.
Sanders argued he’s the best candidate to turn out young people, and polls show that much of his support in New Hampshire is concentrated within that voting bloc. In fact, 44% of voters ages 18 to 34 prefer Sanders, according to a CNN poll by the University of New Hampshire this week.
Biden, who has downplayed his New Hampshire prospects after his fourth-place finish in Iowa, abruptly left the state Tuesday to begin campaigning in South Carolina, where he has maintained a comfortable lead in recent polling.
Yet to find a message
The fact that there are multiple candidates vying for the nomination should increase turnout and enthusiasm, said Lynn Vavreck, a UCLA political scientist.
"To the extant there is a lack of enthusiasm, it may be coming from other things, like a general sense of fatigue with politics or the possibility that none of the candidates excite their base of support very much," she said.
Democratic strategists speculated that voters may be slow to engage in part because, unlike in 2008 when record numbers turned out for Barack Obama, the economy is strong and there isn't an anti-war sentiment coursing through the party's psyche. Trump's unorthodox presidency may viscerally bother Democrats, said Democratic strategist Michael Ceraso, but it doesn't hit them in the pocketbooks.
"The enthusiasm gap is derived from Trump, who frustrates voters with his tone and bravado, but he doesn’t elicit a reactive response from voters who need a personal reason – not a symbolic one – to cast a vote in an election," Ceraso said.
"Democrats have yet to find a message for these voters. And that could prove problematic in pivot counties."
Iowa meltdown left a mark
Self-doubt among Democrats was exacerbated in Iowa, where turnout fell far short of the record 240,000 caucusgoers in 2008. Though the number of people caucusing – about 176,000 – was higher than in 2016, the showing ran counter to the idea that Democrats animated to oppose Trump would show up in high numbers.
Democratic Party officials had predicted last week’s caucuses would eclipse the 2008 results, especially after the 2018 midterms saw the highest turnout rate in recent history. That wave of support gave Democrats control of the House of Representatives.
William Howell, a political scientist at the University of Chicago, speculated that Iowa's turnout may be less about enthusiasm and more about anxiety within the party. The lack of clarity from Iowa underscored a persistent cleavage between liberal and moderate voters – not to mention overall concerns about uniting behind any candidate who can beat Trump.
That anxiety was triggered further by Biden, Howell said, a candidate who staked his claim to the nomination on his ability to beat Trump but who has struggled for oxygen.
"I don’t think the Democrats see a way to bridge these differences, and that stokes anxiety about what’s likely to play out in the fall,” he said. “The field looks more impressive than any individual candidate does. And at the end of the day, they’ve got to settle on an individual."
And that raises a key point: It's early. The entire dynamic could change when the field begins to narrow and Democrats settle on a candidate.
"We don’t know yet about the enthusiasm gap between the Democrats and the Republicans,” Howell said. “But I think we can speak to the lingering anxieties and a sense among Democrats of feeling dispirited in the aftermath of Iowa. All that build up for what, exactly?”


usatoday--2020-02-11--How do the Iowa caucuses work and how they are different than a primary?

The Iowa caucuses for the Democratic and Republican parties will be held Monday , Feb. 3 , 2020 .
The caucuses begin at 7 p.m. at most locations ( you have to be in line by 7 p.m. to participate ) .
This year , some Democratic satellite caucus locations begin earlier .
So just how does the caucus process work ?
Read on for a detailed description of both the Democratic and Republican caucuses .
A caucus is a gathering of party members to discuss presidential preferences , elect local party leaders and talk about policy positions that make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are major differences between the Democrats ’ and the Republicans ’ way of caucusing in Iowa .
The key one is that at a Democratic caucus participants separate into groups based on which presidential candidate they support .
In a Republican caucus , participants simply cast a vote to indicate their support .
A caucus begins with a call to order , and other general business , including election of a chair for the night ’ s proceedings .
In both parties ’ caucuses , candidates or their representatives may speak to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How is a caucus different than a primary ?
A primary resembles a general election in which registered voters cast a vote by secret ballot for their preferred candidate .
Caucusgoers show their president preference by standing in a section of the room devoted to their candidate .
The people in each of those groups are counted .
If the size of the group is at least 15 % of the people attending , that group is considered viable and people in that group must fill out a Presidential Preference Card , sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After they fill out that card , those in a 15 % group can leave or watch the rest of the caucus .
They can not vote again .
Those in candidate groups that did not reach 15 % in the first count can select a candidate again , either by joining a viable candidate group , earning support for their candidate group or another non-viable candidate group , or joining an uncommitted or other candidate group .
After realignment , the groups ’ size will be counted again .
That will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ count , delegates are awarded to the candidates , based on how many supporters those groups had .
Changes in the 2020 Democratic caucus Two counts : In previous cycles , caucusgoers could realign multiple times .
Starting this year , there is only one realignment and people who supported a viable candidate can not vote again .
Satellite caucuses : For the first time in 2020 , Democrats have allowed caucuses at dozens of satellite locations , both in Iowa and in other states and three other countries , to allow people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at their assigned precinct in Iowa to participate .
Reporting results : Democrats will make public the raw vote numbers from the first and second alignments , as well as the delegate strength candidates have .
In previous years , the party only reported the delegate strength .
View the final delegate totals as well as the first and second alignment vote numbers at USATODAY.com on Monday .
Participants are asked to cast a vote for their preferred candidate for president .
The delegates that will represent Iowa at the Republican National Convention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote .
The votes are counted and the chair announces the number of delegates to be elected by the precinct to attend the county convention .
The delegates are nominated based on the candidates receiving the most votes and confirmed by all caucus participants .
Where are the caucuses held ?
A caucus is usually held at a school or other public building in a precinct , depending on expected turnout .
Churches , union halls , fire stations , businesses and private homes also serve as caucus sites .
Some locations will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night .
You must be eligible to vote in the state of Iowa ; 18 years old by the date of the presidential election , Nov. 3 , 2020 ; and registered as a Democrat or Republican .
You can register to vote or change parties on caucus night .
No specific identification is required .
Results : Once the presidential preference proceedings are done , the results are reported to the state party , where they will be verified , then reported to the media and the public .
Additional business : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discuss the party platform to help prepare for the county convention .
The delegates elected during the caucuses will attend county conventions in March .
Participants at county conventions select the delegates to represent a candidate at district conventions in April that then select delegates for the state conventions in June .
Delegates are further narrowed to attend the party national conventions in July and August .
There , the national delegates select which candidate will be the party ’ s nominee for president .

Des Moines Register staff, Des Moines Register

How do the Iowa caucuses work and how they are different than a primary? Here are the key differences in the Iowa Democratic and Republican caucuses.
Show Caption Hide Caption Iowa caucus: Just how much influence does it have on the general election The Iowa caucus is sure to be competitive this year. But what makes caucuses different from primaries? Just the FAQs
The Iowa caucuses for the Democratic and Republican parties will be held Monday, Feb. 3, 2020.
The caucuses begin at 7 p.m. at most locations (you have to be in line by 7 p.m. to participate). This year, some Democratic satellite caucus locations begin earlier.
So just how does the caucus process work? Read on for a detailed description of both the Democratic and Republican caucuses.
What is a caucus?
A caucus is a gathering of party members to discuss presidential preferences, elect local party leaders and talk about policy positions that make up a party’s platform.
There are major differences between the Democrats’ and the Republicans’ way of caucusing in Iowa. The key one is that at a Democratic caucus participants separate into groups based on which presidential candidate they support. In a Republican caucus, participants simply cast a vote to indicate their support.
A caucus begins with a call to order, and other general business, including election of a chair for the night’s proceedings.
In both parties’ caucuses, candidates or their representatives may speak to caucusgoers before the preference selection begins.
Iowa Caucus Results: Follow live Iowa caucus results here on Monday night
How is a caucus different than a primary?
A primary resembles a general election in which registered voters cast a vote by secret ballot for their preferred candidate.
The Democratic caucus
1. PICKING A CANDIDATE
Caucusgoers show their president preference by standing in a section of the room devoted to their candidate.
2. BECOMING VIABLE
The people in each of those groups are counted. If the size of the group is at least 15% of the people attending, that group is considered viable and people in that group must fill out a Presidential Preference Card, sign it, and turn it in. After they fill out that card, those in a 15% group can leave or watch the rest of the caucus. They cannot vote again.
3. REALIGNING
Those in candidate groups that did not reach 15% in the first count can select a candidate again, either by joining a viable candidate group, earning support for their candidate group or another non-viable candidate group, or joining an uncommitted or other candidate group.
4. FINAL COUNT
After realignment, the groups’ size will be counted again. That will be the final count.
5. DETERMINING DELEGATES
After the final count, delegates are awarded to the candidates, based on how many supporters those groups had.
Changes in the 2020 Democratic caucus
Two counts: In previous cycles, caucusgoers could realign multiple times. Starting this year, there is only one realignment and people who supported a viable candidate cannot vote again.
Satellite caucuses: For the first time in 2020, Democrats have allowed caucuses at dozens of satellite locations, both in Iowa and in other states and three other countries, to allow people who could not caucus at 7 p.m. at their assigned precinct in Iowa to participate.
Reporting results: Democrats will make public the raw vote numbers from the first and second alignments, as well as the delegate strength candidates have. In previous years, the party only reported the delegate strength.
View the final delegate totals as well as the first and second alignment vote numbers at USATODAY.com on Monday.
The Republican caucus
1. PICKING A CANDIDATE
Participants are asked to cast a vote for their preferred candidate for president. The delegates that will represent Iowa at the Republican National Convention will be divided proportionally to the statewide vote.
2. TALLYING VOTES
The votes are counted and the chair announces the number of delegates to be elected by the precinct to attend the county convention.
3. SELECTING DELEGATES
The delegates are nominated based on the candidates receiving the most votes and confirmed by all caucus participants.
Where are the caucuses held?
A caucus is usually held at a school or other public building in a precinct, depending on expected turnout. Churches, union halls, fire stations, businesses and private homes also serve as caucus sites. Some locations will host caucuses for multiple precincts on caucus night.
Who can caucus?
You must be eligible to vote in the state of Iowa; 18 years old by the date of the presidential election, Nov. 3, 2020; and registered as a Democrat or Republican.
You can register to vote or change parties on caucus night. No specific identification is required.
Other caucus business
Results: Once the presidential preference proceedings are done, the results are reported to the state party, where they will be verified, then reported to the media and the public.
Additional business: Caucus participants conduct additional committee elections and discuss the party platform to help prepare for the county convention.
After the caucuses: Conventions
The delegates elected during the caucuses will attend county conventions in March. Participants at county conventions select the delegates to represent a candidate at district conventions in April that then select delegates for the state conventions in June.
Delegates are further narrowed to attend the party national conventions in July and August. There, the national delegates select which candidate will be the party’s nominee for president.
Sources: Republican Party of Iowa, Iowa Democratic Party, Des Moines Register research


usatoday--2020-02-11--Nevada Democrats turn to Scantron-style paper ballots after Iowa caucus results chaos

RENO — The Nevada State Democratic Party will use scannable paper ballots during its crucial upcoming caucus in a bid to avoid a repeat of Iowa ’ s tech-troubled presidential nominating contest .
A memo sent to campaigns on Monday confirms early voters will fill out paper ballots that will later be sent to party-run “ processing hubs ” for scanning and storage .
Organizers of Nevada ’ s closely watched third-in-the-nation nominating contest last week ditched the cell phone app software widely blamed for Iowa ’ s results-reporting fiasco .
A copy of the memo obtained by the Reno @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TODAY Network , says caucusgoers will check in at their voting precinct on a “ PDF voter roll ” downloaded to party-purchased iPads .
Voters will then be handed a card with a “ voter PIN ” number needed to correctly fill out a Google Form that will help “ track participants and streamline data collection.
” Officials said paper sign-in sheets will be available if needed .
After writing down their presidential preferences , early voters will slip their ballot and voting card into boxes watched over by some 3,000 caucus volunteers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on to say that presidential campaigns will receive data about who voted early , but not the results of the votes .
The party has said it will not release those tallies until in-person caucusing wraps up on Feb. 22 .
Monday ’ s missive sheds new light on long-lingering questions about how the Silver State planned to process ballots cast during its newly expanded four-day early caucusing period .
It might also go some way toward easing campaign operatives ’ concerns about a lack of communication with state party officials .
Multiple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they had sometimes gone days without speaking to the party — silences that may speak volumes about the uncertainty still looming over the state ’ s fast-approaching caucus .
“ We ’ re focusing on what we can control — turning out our supporters and reaching people where they are , ” Terrence Clark , Nevada campaign spokesman for U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren , added on Monday .
State party spokeswoman Molly Forgey has repeatedly denied reports blaming officials for leaving campaigns out of the loop .
She told the RGJ officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 2020 presidential hopefuls .
Early caucusing in Nevada begins on Feb. 15 at any one of 80 locations around the state .
The state ’ s closed caucus system is open to registered Democrats who will be over the age of 18 by Nov. 3 .
James DeHaven is the politics reporter for the Reno Gazette Journal .
He covers campaigns , the Nevada Legislature and everything in between .
Support his work by subscribing to RGJ.com right here .

Nevada Democrats turn to Scantron-style paper ballots after Iowa caucus results chaos The move sheds new light on long-awaited plans to avoid an Iowa-style voting debacle
Show Caption Hide Caption Difference between caucus and primary, explained The 2020 election is nearing and with that, comes the caucuses and primary elections. But what’s the difference? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
RENO — The Nevada State Democratic Party will use scannable paper ballots during its crucial upcoming caucus in a bid to avoid a repeat of Iowa’s tech-troubled presidential nominating contest.
A memo sent to campaigns on Monday confirms early voters will fill out paper ballots that will later be sent to party-run “processing hubs” for scanning and storage.
Organizers of Nevada’s closely watched third-in-the-nation nominating contest last week ditched the cell phone app software widely blamed for Iowa’s results-reporting fiasco.
But officials aren’t completely abandoning caucus day technology.
A copy of the memo obtained by the Reno Gazette Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, says caucusgoers will check in at their voting precinct on a “PDF voter roll” downloaded to party-purchased iPads.
Voters will then be handed a card with a “voter PIN” number needed to correctly fill out a Google Form that will help “track participants and streamline data collection.” Officials said paper sign-in sheets will be available if needed.
Related: Nevada drops Caucus Day app blamed for Iowa vote-reporting debacle
After writing down their presidential preferences, early voters will slip their ballot and voting card into boxes watched over by some 3,000 caucus volunteers around the state.
The memo goes on to say that presidential campaigns will receive data about who voted early, but not the results of the votes. The party has said it will not release those tallies until in-person caucusing wraps up on Feb. 22.
Monday’s missive sheds new light on long-lingering questions about how the Silver State planned to process ballots cast during its newly expanded four-day early caucusing period.
It might also go some way toward easing campaign operatives’ concerns about a lack of communication with state party officials.
Multiple presidential campaigns on Thursday told the RGJ that they had sometimes gone days without speaking to the party — silences that may speak volumes about the uncertainty still looming over the state’s fast-approaching caucus.
“We’re focusing on what we can control — turning out our supporters and reaching people where they are,” Terrence Clark, Nevada campaign spokesman for U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, added on Monday.
State party spokeswoman Molly Forgey has repeatedly denied reports blaming officials for leaving campaigns out of the loop. She told the RGJ officials have been in “regular contact” with 2020 presidential hopefuls.
Early caucusing in Nevada begins on Feb. 15 at any one of 80 locations around the state. The state’s closed caucus system is open to registered Democrats who will be over the age of 18 by Nov. 3.
For more information, visit caucus.nvdems.com.
Read the full memo below:
James DeHaven is the politics reporter for the Reno Gazette Journal. He covers campaigns, the Nevada Legislature and everything in between. Support his work by subscribing to RGJ.com right here.


usatoday--2020-02-11--Mike Bloomberg's 'stop-and-frisk' comments draw criticism, attack from Trump

WASHINGTON – Democratic presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg sought Tuesday to downplay comments he made in 2015 defending his stop-and-frisk police policy , while attacking President Donald Trump for a deleted tweet drawing attention to the incident .
In the tape , which circulated on social media on Tuesday , the former New York City mayor says that `` 95 % of your murders , murderers and murder victims fit one M.O .
You can just take the description , Xerox it , pass it out to all the cops , They are male , minorities , 16-25 .
That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s true in virtually every city . ''
At another point during the 2015 speech , Bloomberg addresses critics of the policy : “ So one of the unintended consequences is people say , ‘ Oh my God , you are arresting kids for marijuana that are all minorities.
’ Yes , that ’ s true .
Why ?
Because we put all the cops in minority neighborhoods ... Why do we do it ?
Because that ’ s where all the crime is.
” The comments drew criticism online after being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who said they were made at the Aspen Institute .
And Trump joined in , retweeting a clip of the audio and calling Bloomberg a `` TOTAL RACIST . ''
Trump deleted the tweet minutes later and did not disclose that he too has supported stop-and-frisk , which critics have decried as a racist police tactic .
The president 's aides did not comment on the deleted tweet .
In response , Bloomberg described it as `` the latest example of ( Trump 's ) endless efforts to divide Americans '' while trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inherited the police practice of stop-and-frisk , and as part of our effort to stop gun violence it was overused , '' said Bloomberg in a statement .
Bloomberg has since rescinded his support of stop-and-frisk , saying in the statement : `` By the time I left office , I cut it back by 95 % , but I should 've done it faster and sooner .
I regret that and I have apologized – and I have taken responsibility for taking too long to understand the impact it had on Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Trump tweeted out the audio as well as attacks on Bloomberg , including from the president 's son Donald Trump Jr. and campaign manager Brad Parscale .
Live New Hampshire updates : Biden will leave New Hampshire earlier than expected to go to South Carolina In his statement Tuesday , Bloomberg said : `` This issue and my comments about it do not reflect my commitment to criminal justice reform and racial equity . ''
While Bloomberg is not competing in the New Hampshire primary , he is using millions of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polls against both Democratic opponents and Trump himself .
He has also been the subject of repeated Trump attacks .
Bloomberg has said Trump is stepping up his attacks because he fears his candidacy .
Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh , said the audio reflects `` clearly racist comments '' that are `` unacceptable . ''
It shows that `` his apology for ‘ stop and frisk ’ was fake and was only designed to win him votes , '' he said .

Mike Bloomberg's 'stop-and-frisk' comments draw criticism, attack from Trump
Show Caption Hide Caption Small New Hampshire town votes for Bloomberg Former New York City Michael Bloomberg won three of the five votes in a tiny New Hampshire community that cast its ballots just after midnight. New Hampshire residents vote in the first 2020 Democratic presidential primary on Tuesday. (Feb. 11) AP
WASHINGTON – Democratic presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg sought Tuesday to downplay comments he made in 2015 defending his stop-and-frisk police policy, while attacking President Donald Trump for a deleted tweet drawing attention to the incident.
In the tape, which circulated on social media on Tuesday, the former New York City mayor says that "95% of your murders, murderers and murder victims fit one M.O. You can just take the description, Xerox it, pass it out to all the cops, They are male, minorities, 16-25. That’s true in New York, that’s true in virtually every city."
At another point during the 2015 speech, Bloomberg addresses critics of the policy:
“So one of the unintended consequences is people say, ‘Oh my God, you are arresting kids for marijuana that are all minorities.’ Yes, that’s true. Why? Because we put all the cops in minority neighborhoods ... Why do we do it? Because that’s where all the crime is.”
The comments drew criticism online after being posted by progressive podcaster Benjamin Dixon, who said they were made at the Aspen Institute. And Trump joined in, retweeting a clip of the audio and calling Bloomberg a "TOTAL RACIST."
Read senators' impeachment notes: 7 senators’ handwritten notes offer a new view of President Trump's impeachment trial
Trump deleted the tweet minutes later and did not disclose that he too has supported stop-and-frisk, which critics have decried as a racist police tactic. The president's aides did not comment on the deleted tweet.
In response, Bloomberg described it as "the latest example of (Trump's) endless efforts to divide Americans" while trying to explain the audio.
"I inherited the police practice of stop-and-frisk, and as part of our effort to stop gun violence it was overused," said Bloomberg in a statement.
Bloomberg has since rescinded his support of stop-and-frisk, saying in the statement: "By the time I left office, I cut it back by 95%, but I should've done it faster and sooner. 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."
Conservative supporters of Trump tweeted out the audio as well as attacks on Bloomberg, including from the president's son Donald Trump Jr. and campaign manager Brad Parscale.
Live New Hampshire updates: Biden will leave New Hampshire earlier than expected to go to South Carolina
In his statement Tuesday, Bloomberg said: "This issue and my comments about it do not reflect my commitment to criminal justice reform and racial equity."
While Bloomberg is not competing in the New Hampshire primary, he is using millions of his own money and is rising in the polls against both Democratic opponents and Trump himself. He has also been the subject of repeated Trump attacks.
Bloomberg has said Trump is stepping up his attacks because he fears his candidacy.
Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh, said the audio reflects "clearly racist comments" that are "unacceptable." It shows that "his apology for ‘stop and frisk’ was fake and was only designed to win him votes," he said.


usatoday--2020-02-11--A 'trendsetter' in political media, Rush Limbaugh rode polarizing views to immense success

WEST PALM BEACH , Fla. – Last week was an eventful one for Rush Limbaugh , the conservative radio kingpin who has dominated airwaves for years .
During his show last Monday , Limbaugh , 69 , told listeners he has advanced lung cancer , a grim diagnosis .
The next evening , Limbaugh cried on live TV as President Donald Trump used the State of the Union address to award the radio host the Presidential Medal of Freedom , the nation ’ s highest civilian honor .
To Trump and other fans , Limbaugh is a fearless truth teller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political correctness , the folly of big government and the out-of-touch edicts of an unelected cabal of left-wing academics , bureaucrats and journalists .
To his detractors , Limbaugh is a bigoted blowhard who spreads lies and hate and paved the path toward today ’ s media landscape of political polarization and `` alternative facts . ''
'Truly nauseating ' : Rep. Ocasio-Cortez blasts giving Medal of Freedom to 'virulent racist ' Limbaugh Limbaugh hasn ’ t ended his radio career , but the gravity of last week 's revelation brought no shortage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ He was very much a trendsetter in the movement of political media toward polarization , ” said Kevin Wagner , a political scientist at Florida Atlantic University .
“ He was providing a voice for people who felt like they didn ’ t have a voice for their point of view .
In a lot of ways , he was a precursor for how media has evolved.
” Opinion : Trump turned the State of the Union speech into a reality show .
Rush Limbaugh was its star .
At the peak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Limbaugh ’ s radio show drew a weekly audience of 20 million listeners .
His acolytes referred to themselves as Dittoheads , and they made Limbaugh wealthy .
The monthly Limbaugh Letter was mailed to nearly half a million subscribers .
His books leaped to the top of best-seller lists .
Limbaugh even marketed his own line of silk neckties , under the brand name No Boundaries .
It was an apt moniker for a commentator who attacked political correctness with impolite jibes at women , African Americans , immigrants and liberals .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the NBA should be known as the “ Thug Basketball Association.
” He argued that government funding for birth control pills and condoms amounted to paying women to have sex .
In one oft-pilloried line , Limbaugh opined , “ Feminism was established so as to allow unattractive women access to the mainstream of society.
” Other utterances offered more polite distillations of conservative ideology .
“ No nation ever taxed itself into prosperity , ” he quipped .
Rush Limbaugh and Shannen Doherty have advanced cancer : What does that mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by some , a 'Big Fat Idiot ' to others A native of small-town Missouri , Limbaugh spent his 20s and early 30s bouncing between radio jobs .
He worked for a time for baseball ’ s Kansas City Royals .
His break came during the Reagan era , when Limbaugh hosted a conservative talk show in Sacramento , California .
In 1988 , he moved his baritone voice and provocative pronouncements to New York and syndication on AM radio .
Limbaugh ’ s popularity and influence exploded .
Republicans took control of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time in four decades Democrats had relinquished the majority , and Limbaugh received much of the credit .
“ If I characterized him as the person who brought Republicans to power , I don ’ t think I ’ d be overstating it , ” said Mark Foley , a West Palm Beach , Florida , Republican who was elected to Congress for the first time in 1994 .
“ His voice on the radio had emerged as a galvanizing voice for change in our country.
” Foley recalled the class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington to Baltimore for a welcome speech by Limbaugh .
( Foley resigned his House seat in 2006 amid reports he 'd sent sexually explicit messages to congressional pages . )
Revered on the right , Limbaugh was so reviled by the left that the book `` Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot , '' by comedian and future U.S. Sen. Al Franken , became a best seller .
Franken ’ s theme throughout the tome was that Limbaugh ’ s material was “ deliberately misleading ” – and that , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearance of women , Limbaugh himself was an unpleasant sight .
( Franken resigned from the Senate in 2017 after several women accused him of unwanted kissing or touching . )
Opinion : Rush Limbaugh deserves health care , not the Presidential Medal of Freedom In 1996 , Limbaugh took his talents and his millions to Palm Beach , Florida .
He paid $ 6.7 million for an oceanfront manse on the town ’ s north end and began doing his show from the island .
Limbaugh long was coy about precisely where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With its tight municipal rules , the town of Palm Beach frowned on running a national media empire from a residential address .
Limbaugh later leased office space on the island and set up a radio studio .
Eyeing Limbaugh ’ s massive audience and private jet , other media entrepreneurs sought to replicate his success .
The Drudge Report began publishing in 1995 .
Fox News went on the air in 1996 .
Conservative outlet Newsmax launched from West Palm Beach in 1998 .
“ Everybody was copying Rush Limbaugh , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be Rush Limbaugh.
” The Limbaugh-inspired spread of partisan platforms was the dawn of a new age of “ media bubbles , ” which finds Americans relentlessly narrowing the breadth of political ideas they consume .
“ I don ’ t think people understood we were heading away from a big-audience , general news format to a much more tailored news , ” Wagner said .
Foley became friendly enough with Limbaugh that he occasionally socialized with the radio host .
Foley said he once took his same-sex partner to dinner at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his on-air personality , Limbaugh proved a gracious host to his gay guests , Foley said .
“ He was very quiet , ” Foley said .
“ People hear this very boisterous , argumentative , pushy voice on the radio .
The Rush Limbaugh you hear on the radio is not the Rush Limbaugh you see at home.
” Foley said he and Limbaugh watched `` The Sopranos '' and dipped into Limbaugh ’ s collection of expensive cigars and fine wine .
Foley pushed back against what he considered Limbaugh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy .
“ I said , ‘ Rush , you go on the radio and say this stuff and it ’ s not all correct , and then I have people calling and yelling at me , ’ ” Foley recalled .
“ He said , ‘ Mark , you ’ re the policy person .
I ’ m the entertainer.
’ ” McNabb controversy , struggles in personal life led to more polarization In the fall of 2003 , Limbaugh faced strong pushback over his racially tinged views , followed closely by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ First , Limbaugh resigned as an ESPN sports analyst after his comments about NFL star Donovan McNabb drew fire .
The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback was overrated , Limbaugh argued , because sports reporters wanted an African American signal-caller to succeed .
“ The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well , ” Limbaugh said , commingling the stilted syntax and conspiracy theorizing familiar to his army of Dittoheads .
McNabb had made the three previous Pro Bowls , and he would be selected again after the 2003 , 2004 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the accolades were the result of racial preference , not objective performance .
“ There ’ s a little hope invested in McNabb , ” Limbaugh said on ESPN .
“ And he got a lot of credit for the performance of his team that he didn ’ t deserve.
” Athletes , political figures and sports commentators lashed back .
They argued that Limbaugh was off base and that the race-baiting remarks that were red meat to his radio audience were out of bounds on a national sports show .
Under pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Limbaugh told listeners that he was addicted to painkillers and would take a break from broadcasting while he sought treatment .
Like everything about Limbaugh , the episode proved polarizing .
His fans forgave him , reasoning that he , like many others , had fallen victim to the scourge of addiction .
His detractors were stunned by the hypocrisy .
For all his tough talk about personal responsibility , despite his on-air embrace of law and order , Limbaugh eagerly broke the rules when it suited him .
Limbaugh returned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the money continued to flow .
In 2008 , he signed an eight-year contract with Clear Channel Communications worth $ 400 million .
Limbaugh ’ s audience has declined in recent years as other conservative voices have emerged .
Even so , he occasionally has golfed with Trump .
After Trump honored Limbaugh during his State of the Union speech , the move brought a predictable response from Democrats .
“ Rush Limbaugh spent his entire time on the air dividing people , belittling people , ” presidential candidate Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On social media , Limbaugh haters engaged in the sort of vitriol that the host often directed at them .
One meme showed a red-robed Klansman receiving the medal .
Foley , an admirer of the talk show host , acknowledged the divergent opinions about Limbaugh .
“ I don ’ t think everybody shared the sentiment that he deserved it , ” Foley said .
As for Limbaugh ’ s role in the coarsening of political discourse , Foley argued that , for all his influence , one bombastic talking head can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There ’ s no question there ’ s been a degradation of the conversation , ” Foley said .
“ I don ’ t pin that on him.
” Happy tears , hugs and Champagne : Every emotional moment we witnessed behind the scenes at the 2020 Oscars Poll : Americans divided on Trump 's acquittal , but majority wanted Senate to call witnesses

A ‘trendsetter’ in political media, Rush Limbaugh rode polarizing views to immense success
Show Caption Hide Caption Rush Limbaugh gets Medal of Freedom from Trump President Donald Trump asked the first lady to bestow Rush Limbaugh with the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award at the State of the Union. USA TODAY, Associated Press
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Last week was an eventful one for Rush Limbaugh, the conservative radio kingpin who has dominated airwaves for years.
During his show last Monday, Limbaugh, 69, told listeners he has advanced lung cancer, a grim diagnosis. The next evening, Limbaugh cried on live TV as President Donald Trump used the State of the Union address to award the radio host the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
To Trump and other fans, Limbaugh is a fearless truth teller who stands up to the tyranny of political correctness, the folly of big government and the out-of-touch edicts of an unelected cabal of left-wing academics, bureaucrats and journalists.
To his detractors, Limbaugh is a bigoted blowhard who spreads lies and hate and paved the path toward today’s media landscape of political polarization and "alternative facts."
'Truly nauseating': Rep. Ocasio-Cortez blasts giving Medal of Freedom to 'virulent racist' Limbaugh
Limbaugh hasn’t ended his radio career, but the gravity of last week's revelation brought no shortage of reflection on his contentious legacy.
“He was very much a trendsetter in the movement of political media toward polarization,” said Kevin Wagner, a political scientist at Florida Atlantic University. “He was providing a voice for people who felt like they didn’t have a voice for their point of view. In a lot of ways, he was a precursor for how media has evolved.”
Opinion: Trump turned the State of the Union speech into a reality show. Rush Limbaugh was its star.
At the peak of his power in the 1990s, Limbaugh’s radio show drew a weekly audience of 20 million listeners. His acolytes referred to themselves as Dittoheads, and they made Limbaugh wealthy.
The monthly Limbaugh Letter was mailed to nearly half a million subscribers. His books leaped to the top of best-seller lists. Limbaugh even marketed his own line of silk neckties, under the brand name No Boundaries.
It was an apt moniker for a commentator who attacked political correctness with impolite jibes at women, African Americans, immigrants and liberals. Limbaugh labeled feminists “femi-Nazis” and said the NBA should be known as the “Thug Basketball Association.”
He argued that government funding for birth control pills and condoms amounted to paying women to have sex.
In one oft-pilloried line, Limbaugh opined, “Feminism was established so as to allow unattractive women access to the mainstream of society.”
Other utterances offered more polite distillations of conservative ideology. “No nation ever taxed itself into prosperity,” he quipped.
Rush Limbaugh and Shannen Doherty have advanced cancer: What does that mean? What is stage IV?
Revered by some, a 'Big Fat Idiot' to others
A native of small-town Missouri, Limbaugh spent his 20s and early 30s bouncing between radio jobs. He worked for a time for baseball’s Kansas City Royals.
His break came during the Reagan era, when Limbaugh hosted a conservative talk show in Sacramento, California. In 1988, he moved his baritone voice and provocative pronouncements to New York and syndication on AM radio.
Limbaugh’s popularity and influence exploded. Republicans took control of the House of Representatives in 1994, the first time in four decades Democrats had relinquished the majority, and Limbaugh received much of the credit.
“If I characterized him as the person who brought Republicans to power, I don’t think I’d be overstating it,” said Mark Foley, a West Palm Beach, Florida, Republican who was elected to Congress for the first time in 1994. “His voice on the radio had emerged as a galvanizing voice for change in our country.”
Foley recalled the class of newly elected Republicans taking buses from Washington to Baltimore for a welcome speech by Limbaugh. (Foley resigned his House seat in 2006 amid reports he'd sent sexually explicit messages to congressional pages.)
Revered on the right, Limbaugh was so reviled by the left that the book "Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot," by comedian and future U.S. Sen. Al Franken, became a best seller. Franken’s theme throughout the tome was that Limbaugh’s material was “deliberately misleading” – and that, for all his barbs aimed at the physical appearance of women, Limbaugh himself was an unpleasant sight. (Franken resigned from the Senate in 2017 after several women accused him of unwanted kissing or touching.)
Opinion: Rush Limbaugh deserves health care, not the Presidential Medal of Freedom
'Everybody was copying Rush Limbaugh'
In 1996, Limbaugh took his talents and his millions to Palm Beach, Florida. He paid $6.7 million for an oceanfront manse on the town’s north end and began doing his show from the island.
Limbaugh long was coy about precisely where he sat as he delivered his monologues. With its tight municipal rules, the town of Palm Beach frowned on running a national media empire from a residential address. Limbaugh later leased office space on the island and set up a radio studio.
Eyeing Limbaugh’s massive audience and private jet, other media entrepreneurs sought to replicate his success. The Drudge Report began publishing in 1995. Fox News went on the air in 1996. Conservative outlet Newsmax launched from West Palm Beach in 1998.
“Everybody was copying Rush Limbaugh,” Foley said. “Everybody wanted to be Rush Limbaugh.”
The Limbaugh-inspired spread of partisan platforms was the dawn of a new age of “media bubbles,” which finds Americans relentlessly narrowing the breadth of political ideas they consume.
“I don’t think people understood we were heading away from a big-audience, general news format to a much more tailored news,” Wagner said.
Foley became friendly enough with Limbaugh that he occasionally socialized with the radio host. Foley said he once took his same-sex partner to dinner at Limbaugh’s mansion. In contrast to his on-air personality, Limbaugh proved a gracious host to his gay guests, Foley said.
“He was very quiet,” Foley said. “People hear this very boisterous, argumentative, pushy voice on the radio. The Rush Limbaugh you hear on the radio is not the Rush Limbaugh you see at home.”
Foley said he and Limbaugh watched "The Sopranos" and dipped into Limbaugh’s collection of expensive cigars and fine wine. Foley pushed back against what he considered Limbaugh’s mischaracterization of details of health policy.
“I said, ‘Rush, you go on the radio and say this stuff and it’s not all correct, and then I have people calling and yelling at me,’” Foley recalled. “He said, ‘Mark, you’re the policy person. I’m the entertainer.’”
McNabb controversy, struggles in personal life led to more polarization
In the fall of 2003, Limbaugh faced strong pushback over his racially tinged views, followed closely by a scandal in his personal life.
First, Limbaugh resigned as an ESPN sports analyst after his comments about NFL star Donovan McNabb drew fire. The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback was overrated, Limbaugh argued, because sports reporters wanted an African American signal-caller to succeed.
“The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well,” Limbaugh said, commingling the stilted syntax and conspiracy theorizing familiar to his army of Dittoheads.
McNabb had made the three previous Pro Bowls, and he would be selected again after the 2003, 2004 and 2009 seasons. To Limbaugh, the accolades were the result of racial preference, not objective performance.
“There’s a little hope invested in McNabb,” Limbaugh said on ESPN. “And he got a lot of credit for the performance of his team that he didn’t deserve.”
Athletes, political figures and sports commentators lashed back. They argued that Limbaugh was off base and that the race-baiting remarks that were red meat to his radio audience were out of bounds on a national sports show. Under pressure, Limbaugh left ESPN.
Days later, Limbaugh told listeners that he was addicted to painkillers and would take a break from broadcasting while he sought treatment.
Like everything about Limbaugh, the episode proved polarizing. His fans forgave him, reasoning that he, like many others, had fallen victim to the scourge of addiction.
His detractors were stunned by the hypocrisy. For all his tough talk about personal responsibility, despite his on-air embrace of law and order, Limbaugh eagerly broke the rules when it suited him.
Limbaugh returned to the air and remained in Palm Beach, and the money continued to flow. In 2008, he signed an eight-year contract with Clear Channel Communications worth $400 million.
Limbaugh’s audience has declined in recent years as other conservative voices have emerged. Even so, he occasionally has golfed with Trump.
After Trump honored Limbaugh during his State of the Union speech, the move brought a predictable response from Democrats.
“Rush Limbaugh spent his entire time on the air dividing people, belittling people,” presidential candidate Joe Biden said after Trump’s address.
On social media, Limbaugh haters engaged in the sort of vitriol that the host often directed at them. One meme showed a red-robed Klansman receiving the medal.
Foley, an admirer of the talk show host, acknowledged the divergent opinions about Limbaugh.
“I don’t think everybody shared the sentiment that he deserved it,” Foley said.
As for Limbaugh’s role in the coarsening of political discourse, Foley argued that, for all his influence, one bombastic talking head can take only so much blame.
“There’s no question there’s been a degradation of the conversation,” Foley said. “I don’t pin that on him.”
Follow reporter Jeff Ostrowski on Twitter: @bio561
Happy tears, hugs and Champagne: Every emotional moment we witnessed behind the scenes at the 2020 Oscars
Poll: Americans divided on Trump's acquittal, but majority wanted Senate to call witnesses


usatoday--2020-02-11--Americans divided on Trump's acquittal, but majority wanted Senate to call witnesses, poll finds

WASHINGTON – Americans remain almost evenly divided over the impeachment of President Donald Trump after his acquittal in the Senate , though most found the Senate impeachment trial to be unfair , according to a Monmouth University poll released Monday .
Forty-nine percent said they agreed with the Senate vote to acquit Trump on the charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress stemming from allegations that he used military aid to pressure Ukraine into opening investigations for his own political benefit .
And 47 % disapproved of the Senate 's vote to acquit .
Independent voters were almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -45 % , while 92 % of Republicans approved of the vote and 84 % of Democrats did not .
While more Americans favored Trump 's acquittal , a majority ( 51 % ) agreed with the Dec. 18 House vote to impeach him , compared to 46 % who disapproved of the impeachment vote .
`` We went into the impeachment process with a sharply divided public and we come out of it with a sharply divided public , '' said Patrick Murray , director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 56 % of Republicans – thought Trump did nothing wrong to warrant impeach in the first place .
But another 30 % said `` some of his actions were improper , but they did not rise to the level of impeachment . ''
And 46 % – including 89 % of Democrats – said Trump 's `` actions were definitely grounds for impeachment . ''
A majority also thought it was time to put the impeachment investigation to rest .
Although 59 % disapproved of the Senate 's decision not to call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial was not conducted fairly , only 43 % said the House should continue to investigate the Ukraine affair by calling additional witnesses such as former national security adviser John Bolton .
Fifty-one percent said it was time to end the investigation .
And 52 % ( including 89 % of Republicans ) said it was time to end all House investigations on potentially impeachable offenses , while 44 % ( including 77 % of Democrats ) said the House should continue to investigate in its oversight role .
“ Where you fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of party loyalty now .
The majority of Republicans seem to side with Trump ’ s claim that his Ukraine call was perfect . ''
Murray said .
`` There is not a huge appetite , except among Democrats , to keep the impeachment flame alive at this point .
Most Americans say it is time to move on . ''
The impeachment did not have a positive impact on Americans ' belief in democracy .
Only 6 % said watching the process increased their faith in the U.S. system of government , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubts .
Another 43 % said the impeachment did n't change their outlook one way or another .
The poll was conducted from Feb. 6-9 with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percentage points .

Americans divided on Trump's acquittal, but majority wanted Senate to call witnesses, poll finds
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump's Ukraine phone call: U.S. and Ukraine relationship, explained U.S. and Ukraine relations go further back than the now infamous phone call between Trump and Zelensky. We explain their relationship. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Americans remain almost evenly divided over the impeachment of President Donald Trump after his acquittal in the Senate, though most found the Senate impeachment trial to be unfair, according to a Monmouth University poll released Monday.
Forty-nine percent said they agreed with the Senate vote to acquit Trump on the charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress stemming from allegations that he used military aid to pressure Ukraine into opening investigations for his own political benefit. And 47% disapproved of the Senate's vote to acquit.
Independent voters were almost split, approving of acquittal 48%-45%, while 92% of Republicans approved of the vote and 84% of Democrats did not.
While more Americans favored Trump's acquittal, a majority (51%) agreed with the Dec. 18 House vote to impeach him, compared to 46% who disapproved of the impeachment vote.
"We went into the impeachment process with a sharply divided public and we come out of it with a sharply divided public," said Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute.
Twenty-two percent of the respondents overall – and 56% of Republicans – thought Trump did nothing wrong to warrant impeach in the first place. But another 30% said "some of his actions were improper, but they did not rise to the level of impeachment." And 46% – including 89% of Democrats – said Trump's "actions were definitely grounds for impeachment."
Gordon Sondland: Ambassador ousted after Trump Senate acquittal President Donald Trump fired two high-profile impeachment witnesses on Friday - a national security adviser and a prominent ambassador. USA TODAY, Wochit
A majority also thought it was time to put the impeachment investigation to rest.
Although 59% disapproved of the Senate's decision not to call witnesses and 58% said the Senate trial was not conducted fairly, only 43% said the House should continue to investigate the Ukraine affair by calling additional witnesses such as former national security adviser John Bolton. Fifty-one percent said it was time to end the investigation.
And 52% (including 89% of Republicans) said it was time to end all House investigations on potentially impeachable offenses, while 44% (including 77% of Democrats) said the House should continue to investigate in its oversight role.
“Where you fall on impeachment may be a litmus test of party loyalty now. The majority of Republicans seem to side with Trump’s claim that his Ukraine call was perfect." Murray said. "There is not a huge appetite, except among Democrats, to keep the impeachment flame alive at this point. Most Americans say it is time to move on."
The impeachment did not have a positive impact on Americans' belief in democracy. Only 6% said watching the process increased their faith in the U.S. system of government, while 48% said it increased their doubts. Another 43% said the impeachment didn't change their outlook one way or another.
The poll was conducted from Feb. 6-9 with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percentage points.