tagged w/ Liberal Democrats
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Election returns in Britain show a surprising mandate for the independence-minded Scottish Nationalist Party, which won a majority in the Scottish Parliament, the first time any group has done so. The Liberal Democrats, the junior partner in Britain's governing coalition, suffer humiliating defeats in local races across the country. A party advocating independence for Scotland has won a surprising mandate in the regional assembly there, according to election returns Friday that also showed the...Election returns in Britain show a surprising mandate for the independence-minded... more
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ylin
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9 months ago
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Colin Firth, the actor and one of the celebrity backers of the Liberal Democrats at the election, has admitted he no longer supported the party.Speaking at a film festival in Dubai he said: "I think it is profoundly disillusioning if you are a student who registered to vote simply because of what the Liberal Democrat were promising, and many, many did and simply because of what the Liberal Democrats had to say about tuition fees and things. It is one of the reasons I went in that direction."He insisted he was not disputing the personal integrity of Clegg saying: "I do believe he did what he thought was the only choice at that time given the parliamentary situation and it being impossible to do a deal with Labour."He added the decision "made it difficult for us who thought progressive politics would be the way forward".
Colin Firth, the actor and one of the celebrity backers of the Liberal Democrats at... more
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On Wednesday November 10th, an estimated 50,000 attended a rally in central London to protest against rising university fees.
The majority of demonstrators were peaceful but a small number took out their frustrations on Tory HQ, smashing windows, setting fire to placards and clashing with police.
Aaron Porter, the NUS president, was quick to condemn the breakaway protesters, describing their actions as "despicable".
For the full story, see our current.com report.
Protesters gathered at around 12PM, with the mood being described as good-natured and peaceful.
Among the angry political slogans were some comedy signs, including "Is this the queue for Justin Bieber tickets?" and "I wish my boyfriend was as dirty as your policy".
Nice sign, great hair.
Students gather at the start of the protest.
Students besiege 30 Millbank, the Conservative party headquarters, during a protest against cuts in university funding and an increase in tuition fees.
Demonstrators smash windows in the tower block.
Around 20 students got into the lobby of the Conservative party HQ.
After storming 30 Millbank, protesters managed to get onto the roof of the building. A fire extinguisher was later dropped from above onto police below by an unknown idiot. It's thought that nobody was seriously injured by it.
Protesters wave from the roof of the Millbank Tower.
A small number of fires were lit and placards were burnt.
The clashes in central London led to 51 arrests and 14 injuries.On Wednesday November 10th, an estimated 50,000 attended a rally in central London to... more
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richjm
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1 year ago
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According to the BBC the Lord Browne's report has recommended lifting the cap of £3,290 for student fees.
"Instead it proposes a free market in fees - setting out models of charges up to £12,000 a year for a degree course."-BBC
Before the release of the report there were some criticism on if higher fees would make it tougher for poorer students to attend university, now the groups have £12,000 a year figure to debate. With UCU lectueres saying it would be the end of 'affordable higher education'.
The report was commissioned by the previous government, but has now been released into a coalition government. In some news outlet it was discussed into how the Lib Dems put down their graduate tax idea, but stated many of the MPs would reject the removal of caps. The BBC states the plans could create a backbench rebellion from Lib Dems.
"Lord Browne told BBC Breakfast: "We have taken off the cap but we haven't taken off the restrictions." [...] "They would be paying the same interest rate as the government uses to borrow. They will only pay it back when their earnings go above £21,000," he said.
"If you choose to go into a job which doesn't pay very much or if you choose to go out of the workforce to build a family, you won't have to pay it back.
[...]CURRENT UK TUITION FEES
* England, Wales, Northern Ireland: Max £3,290 pa
* Scotland: Free to Scottish and EU students, £1,820 pa to other UK (£2,895 for medicine)
* Students from elsewhere in the EU pay the same as those locally
* Students from outside the EU pay whatever the university charges
"-BBCAccording to the BBC the Lord Browne's report has recommended lifting the cap of... more
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In his first party conference speech as Deputy PM, Nick Clegg asked Liberal Democrat MPs to "stick with him" and serve a full five years in government.
Against a backlash from some MPs, Clegg backed controversial government spending cuts and said they were the "only choice" for improving the economy.
The Lib Dem leader also again defended taking his party into a coalition with the Tories, and told MPs that the country would never have taken the Lib Dems seriously again if they'd opted out of governing in nation interest at a time of crisis.
In a 37 minute speech, he told delegates:
"We confounded those who said that coalition government was impossible. We created a government which will govern and govern well for the next five years.
"Of course there are those who will condemn us. We are challenging years of political convention and tradition and our opponents will yell and scream about it.
"But I am so, so proud of the quiet courage and determination which you have shown through this momentous period in British political history.
"Hold our nerve and we will have changed British politics for good. Hold our nerve and we will have changed Britain for good."
He said: "We will take risks in government. But we will never lose our soul. We haven't changed our liberal values. Our status is different but our ambition is the same."
Mr Clegg praised Prime Minister David Cameron for thinking "beyond his party", adding: "In life, two heads are usually better than one."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11366009In his first party conference speech as Deputy PM, Nick Clegg asked Liberal Democrat... more
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richjm
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1 year ago
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$21377946.htm
This document must be today's source of information on the coalition deal because a few issues addressed have popped up in the news.
The document is important because it'll clarify the deals made to establish the coalition, what compromises were made and how future polices will be shaped by lib dem or conservative hands.
"The document includes the agreements on policy areas such as banking, civil liberties, defence, the environment, Europe, immigration, welfare and political reform"-BBC
From two sources (BBC & politics.co.uk) it looks like these issues appear within the document (report here if you find anything good on environment etc),
-Commission for failed negotiation areas like Human Rights act and the "breaking up the big banks"-BBC
-Privatisation parts of the Royal Mail
-"We will cut red tape to encourage the performance of more live music"
-Changes to policing powers, mentions giving people legal protection "to prevent crime" and "Anonymity in rape cases will be extended to defendants."-quotes from BBC
-Banning "The sale of below cost price alcohol"-BBC. mention 24 hour drinking will not be scrapped (just posted a story from the telegraph saying the opposite, interesting)
-Freezing Council tax and employees can request more flexible working hours.
-Scrapping ID cards scheme, HIPs and a national identity register.
-A Freedom Bill
-Trident will stay, though will be looked at to ensure 'value for money'. "Lib Dem MPs will also be able to abstain from planning reforms that will make it easier to build nuclear power stations."-BBC
-Free vote on Fox Hunting (from article not sure if this means it was in the document or went through anyway)
Read the Full Document here, http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8693535.stm$21377946.htm
This document must be today's source of information on the... more
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According to the Daily Mail, the Conservatives are going to introduce a vote on if the fox hunting ban should be scrapped. This is terrible news for Liberal Democrats, since they're against the vote and I'm assume the news upset their voters.
"In a separate sign of the new Government's intentions, Agriculture Minister Jim Paice will be responsible for hunting and shooting - the first time country sports have had a dedicated minister for decades."-Daily Mail
It sounds like the vote won't happen till the majority of economic policy is brought out, which will give lobbying groups on both sides time to build their arguments.According to the Daily Mail, the Conservatives are going to introduce a vote on if the... more
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A proposed Conservative policy to replace the Human Rights Act with a UK Bill of Rights, is set to be one of the issues to test the strength of the coalition government.
Both Nick Clegg and Conservative Justice Secretary Ken Clarke are against changing or scrapping the Human Rights Acts.
Clegg stated "any government would alter the current legislation "at its peril"-BBC.
Clarke saying "proposals for a UK Bill of Rights as "xenophobic" and "anti-foreigner"-Independent
However, some papers are hinting some Conservatives are still looking to keep the UK Bill of Rights changes in a discussion.
Home Secretary Theresa May said this morning on Radio 4, "There's no decision on this particular issue... We are currently in discussions on it... We are in discussion as to what our approach should be. [...] We are talking to the Liberal Democrats about that, but you cannot say that, across the board, somehow we have sold out our supporters, when you look at the whole agreement that has been reached between us and the Liberal Democrats."-BBC
This story is developing and could go further, since the Human Rights Act came into discussion after two terror suspects could not be deported because of the act. I recall hearing briefly, Human Rights groups stating the two could still be trailed and sent to prison with the evidence gathered.A proposed Conservative policy to replace the Human Rights Act with a UK Bill of... more
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The coalition proposed its first plans to reform parliament, which would see the development of a fixed term parliament. However, it's reported MPs on both sides are unhappy over plans for a 55% vote requirement to dissolve for parliament.
According to Newsnight, this would change the rules from needing a majority to a super majority vote. While also suggesting the Lib Dems placed in the 50% number while the Conservatives argued for 55%.
The MPs who support the plans say the super majority is needed to secure the plans for a permanent 5 year parliament. However those criticizing the plans say it's about keeping the current government in power for longer.
"Former Labour lord chancellor Lord Falconer said he backed the idea of fixed-term parliaments, but warned the present proposals risked leaving an impotent "zombie" government in power."-Guardian
Newsnight segment: http://bbc.co.uk/i/sfwp1/The coalition proposed its first plans to reform parliament, which would see the... more
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Today there was a joint press conference with the new PM David Cameron and Deputy PM Nick Clegg. The two parties talked about the new coalition between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives and answered press questions. (video is part two)
There was a strange moment when a journalist reminded Cameron of a past comment when he said Nick Clegg after being asked what his favourite joke was. Clegg's reaction was to do a mock 'that's it I'm off' joke, very weird and gigglesome. (9:00 minutes in).
It's clear the question of how long the two parities can make a coalition work will remain, but hey it's the first day lets feel a little bit hopeful for a few hours.
"Mr Clegg admitted both party leaders were taking "big risks" but said it would be a "new politics": "It's a new kind of government, a radical, reforming government where it needs to be and a source of reassurance and stability at a time of great uncertainty in our country too.""-BBCToday there was a joint press conference with the new PM David Cameron and Deputy PM... more
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What are your reactions to the Lib/Con coalition?
A video of Nick Clegg talking about the formation of the coalition government between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives.
He starts off by complimenting Gordon Brown and moves onto addressing the fears some supporters might have over the coalition and the new form of government. He states they party wouldn't have gone into the agreement without it creating a unique opportunity for the change the party and voters believe in.
Of course, many Liberal Democrats will still keep an eye on the deals gained by the coalition and if the new coalition Government will strengthen Lib Dem policy or weaken it.
So far the Cabinet seats are being allocated between the two parties in a coalition, with I hear around 20 Liberal Democrat junior ministers. There is also word on set dates for the election and House of Lords Reform.
Check this post for details: http://current.com/news/92427596_cameron-moves-into-no-10-coalition-government-details-emerge.htm
"Theresa May also Minister for women and equality as well as Home Secretary
Kenneth Clarke has been appointed Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor"-BBC Tweets
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mur2DqbmVRkWhat are your reactions to the Lib/Con coalition?
A video of Nick Clegg talking... more
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The Independent supplies an interesting article about the possible Conservative party reaction to a Lib/Con deal containing electoral reform.
The speculation about the grassroots revolt comes from comments made by a Shadow Minister and Lord Heseltine, which suggests some party resistance on changing the electoral system to gain a majority deal. ""The PR element is causing a great deal of angst both among MPs and within the grassroots."-The Independent.
The article also hints that backbenchers are saying the Conservatives could work in a minority government rather than making a deal with the Liberal Democrats. Check out the report, because it breaks down the Tory party members under the Modernisers, Tory Right, The Traditionalist Right titles, a great list to know when the BBC reads out who the Conservative sent to negotiation meetings.The Independent supplies an interesting article about the possible Conservative party... more
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One of today's big election stories concerns "tactical voting" - excellent, something else to make the election seem even more X Factory. The Mail reports that Children's Secretary Ed Balls and Welsh Secretary Peter Hain have suggested that "party supporters in some marginal seats should back the Liberal Democrats to stop the Conservatives winning the General Election." Wow. Labour MP's suggesting people don't vote Labour? Well, yes. In the article, which sadly doesn't have the headline "Balls To The Wall!", it says that Ed et al. suggest voting for Clegg in Lib Dem-Tory marginal constituencies would increase the chance of the Conservatives falling short of an overall majority, and give Labour the chance to form a coalition with the Lib Dems in a hung parliament. Or as the Telegraph puts it "that nasty little game that the Eastern European countries employ to ensure that one of their number wins the Eurovision Song Contest."So now it's not just about voting for the local MP or party you agree with most, it's also about keeping parties you don't like out of parliament. Check and mate. Excuse me while I lie down in a dark room and think about this. Thankfully, luddites like me don't have to think too much about it, becuase the Mirror have conveniently made a print-out-and-keep tactical voting guide (it'll go on the wall next to my Sun World Cup wallchart and that massive poster of dinosaurs I got from the Guardian ages ago). At the top, the guide lists constituencies that Lib Dem voters should vote for Labour in, at the bottom it lists places Labour supporters should vote Lib Dem in. And in case you were wondering which way the ever-subtle Mirror was going in the election, the line "Smug David Cameron faces defeat if people vote with their heads and not their hearts on Thursday" might give you a clue. So how does everyone feel about the election being turned into a big game of Risk? None of the other parties seem to be suggesting voters should tactically vote. Former Lib-Dem leader Paddy/Lord Ashdown/Pantsdown said during a Radio 4 interview that the call was "patronising" and that the public "were quite intelligent enough" to work out how to vote. Even Gordon Brown himself has played down the tactical voting message, telling GMTV that "I want people to vote Labour and I want a majority Labour government." The Conservatives say that the call showed "utter desperation" and stood in stark contrast to Mr Cameron's "positive campaigning". Are we sure about that?
Personally, you can keep your wall-charts and tactics, I like my politics explained to me the same way the BBC did in the 2008 election - by getting Jeremy Vine to dress up like a cowboy, and shoot computer generated tin cans in a virtual studio. One of today's big election stories concerns "tactical voting" -... more
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Out of all the party selections for the Election, the Financial Times sounds like an interesting one to hear. Mainly because the other papers picks came with no surprise.
From the start, looks unclear on which party is on top with the paper, since there's a brief line about the Lib Dem rise and the Labour line of this election needs more substance not style. With an added kind word to Thatchers leadership in 1979.
After presenting the FT's concerns over little concentration fixing the economy and a need for electoral reform, the paper breaks down its difficult choices and picks the Conservatives (heard this is the first time since 1987).
"As the architect of the state’s expansion, Mr Brown is not the man to shrink it. Too often he has been tepid or hostile to public sector reform.
The Liberal Democrats are more attractive. It is on the economy that doubts creep in. Their policy is an uneasy mix of sanctimony and populism.
This leaves the Conservatives. They are not a perfect fit, but their instincts are sound. Their fiscal plans, while vague, suggest they would do most to reduce the size of the state. This newspaper still has questions about Mr Cameron and his party. The Tories’ reflexive hostility to Europe,"Out of all the party selections for the Election, the Financial Times sounds like an... more
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Doctor Who's arch nemesis may have had a makeover recently, but putting them in a leaders debate like the humans did (A.K.A. the leaders of the main parties)? Well, see for yourself.
Video from YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mLIjKTBq6MDoctor Who's arch nemesis may have had a makeover recently, but putting them in a... more
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A recent blog on The Telegraph called "What the Lib Dems really think about children and pornography" brought up a story from 2004 about a Lib Dem working party that called for changes in the law to allow 16-year-olds to legally view and buy pornography. Or, as the Daily Star puts it "Under Clegg’s rule, children as young as 16 would not only be allowed to buy hardcore porn films – they could star in them too." Because we all know when you buy a porn film, it's merely a matter of weeks before you end up starring in the sequel. That's how the jizz-industry works.
The Telegraph blog's way of making a six-year-old story relevant is that members of the Mumsnet forum are now calling for the Lib Dems to review this policy, or according to The Sun "FURIOUS mums have slammed Liberal Democrat plans". If you actually take a look at Mumsnet it's interesting to see that the reaction is very mixed - actually more along the lines of "this isn't news" rather than fury and outrage. One person points out how the story has been sensationalised by the tabloids and directs people to the actual policy document - far from forcing your kids to star in Trousers Snakes On A Plane, it talks about stricter regulation of the sex industry to protect workers and under 16s. So is the Lib Dems idea to lower the age you can buy porn at such a bad (or indeed shocking) thing? After all, at sixteen you're old enough to join the Army, buy cigarettes, get married and have sex (what a heck of a night out that would be), but can't legally watch or buy a film with people having sex - maybe you could find these 'films' on this 'Internet' thing I keep hearing about. Or does this just come across as anti-Clegg media desperately trying to dig up dirt on the Lib Dems?
A recent blog on The Telegraph called "What the Lib Dems really think... more
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It turns out the Scottish TV debates are awesome, mainly because they contain less rules allowing the audience to talk back to the politicians and applaud to anything they like. The video is a clip of a Channel 4 news segment about the Scottish debates, which highlights the difference between the debates with clips of what questions were answered.It turns out the Scottish TV debates are awesome, mainly because they contain less... more
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Reports about Nick Clegg's interview on the Andrew Marr show, claim the Lib Dem leader hinted a Lib-Con partnership in a Hung Parliament, if Labour become 3rd in the vote share.
"Nick Clegg today signalled that he would speak to the Conservatives first about the formation of a minority government if Labour came third by share of the vote on 6 May, rejecting the constitutional convention that the prime minister should be allowed to try to form a government first."-The Guardian.
In the interview, it sounded like the main issue for the Lib Dems is gaining cross party support for electoral reform, yet the question of how the party would work in a hung parliament remains unanswered. The article hints is because the Lib Dems might have lost some Conservative voters from Cameron's 'Vote Clegg get Brown' remarks.
"With the campaign entering its final full week, Clegg may feel he needed to send out an anti-Brown message as polling suggested the Tory leader, David Cameron, was gaining traction with his warning that if voters back Clegg, they will end up with Brown in No 10"-The Guardian
If we're facing a hung parliament after the next election, is it possible the Lib Dems will side with another party?Reports about Nick Clegg's interview on the Andrew Marr show, claim the Lib Dem... more
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We've now had time to digest and reflect on what we saw on TV the other night. To step back from the adrenaline-fuelled madness of the moment and soberly reflect. And I think you'll agree with me that the new Daleks looked RUBBISH. Like kitchen gadgets designed by Alessi, but with massive arses - I didn't know if they were going to destroy the earth, or grind some pepper onto my dinner. But in other news, people are still talking about the first televised election debate that aired on ITV1 last week.It's estimated that just under 10 million of us watched the debate, and given the vastly different opinions given in the press, you'd be forgiven for thinking that they all watched a slightly different version of the debate - perhaps there was a directors cut, or they got a DVD with some extras on it - Alastair Stewart barking out a moderator's commentary, or a bonus feature on which mid-eighties gameshow they nicked the set from.The Daily Mirror was one of the few that saw Brown as the winner - "David Cameron was left floundering... Brown repeatedly outsmarted him" further sticking in the boot with "Brown crushes naive David Cameron as kid Clegg shines." I quite like the name "Kid" Clegg, it makes him sound like a cowboy - the most wanted man in Sheffield Hallam. Clearly they don't have any love for Cameron - they also reveal how Dave has repeatedly dodged their questions - this time from a person dressed as a giant chicken (Paxman take note).On the flipside it comes as no surprise that The Sun thinks David Cameron won the debates. Apparently their "SNAP POLL was the FASTEST full survey ever conducted in BRITAIN after it called a VERDICT just five MINUTES after the TV CLASH had ended." They claimed that 39% of people they polled said Cameron won, though that's actually a drop of 4% from before the debate. The Sun says the "Prime Sinister" looked "shifty, arrogant and bullying" whilst David Cameron is prefixed with the word DETERMINED and Nick Clegg is MUDDLED. Less shouty, but also owned by Rupert Murdoch, The Times had its own poll, which concluded that Nick Clegg won the debate - although out of those polled "more Tory supporters named Mr Clegg as the winner of the debate (52 per cent) than named their own leader (47 per cent)."Clegg as victor in the first round seemed to be an opinion shared by a big section of the media. The Telegraph took time out from discussing how sexy Samantha Cameron is, how Miriam Clegg is fine with being described as attractive and intelligent and OH MY GOD LOOK AT SARAH BROWN'S FEET to talk about the debate - "Nick Clegg's star rises in great showdown" (back to the cowboy metaphors, I like it). The Guardian went with "Nick Clegg seizes his moment in the TV spotlight" whilst The Daily Mail talks of Clegg's "X Factor-style TV triumph". If that's the case, let's hope that for the next debate on Sky News this Thursday, Clegg picks an appropriate song. I suggest Animal (F*ck Like A Beast) by W.A.S.P
We've now had time to digest and reflect on what we saw on TV the other... more
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It's been a night of some fresh changes and first times, there was the strangeness of no planes flying for the first time from natural causes, the first live leaders debate in the UK and this morning I think this might be the first time Clegg appeared on so many front covers (I've got no memory of when he became leader the Lib Dems, I suspect this is bigger news for the lib dems).
Checking out the front pages on Politics home there's clear pattern of Clegg and oh noes volcanic ash. Plus one picture of a politician dancing.
The Daily Telegraph: 'Clegg star rises in great TV showdown' pictured with volcanic smoke plume.
The Independent: 'Clegg comes of age: Cameron and Brown find themselves eclipsed by Liberal Democrat leader in historic television debate.' Pictures of all three leaders, wordy reference to the volcano ash?
Daily Mirror: 'Day the skies stood still' and below that 'It's a Man vs Boys'
The Times: 'Enter the outsider' with a picture of Clegg in the foreground of Brown and Cameron looking at the top middle distance.
The Guardian: 'Clegg the outside seizes his moment in the TV spotlight' and a big banner picture of a plane.
The Sun: 'We're all paralysed by Hot Air: Leaders clash as jets grounded by ash' kinda on both stories, seems to like the hot ash more.
Daily Mail: 'Paralysed by the Volcano' no mention what so ever of the debates, but hey free world war II in colour DVD. Jolly gosh omfg only 13 DVDS to collect.
Financial Times: Greece in key move towards bail-out' and 'Immigration is the battleground as leaders trade blows in TV clash' Picture is of Peter Mandelson ballroom dancing on the campaign trail yesterday.
[picture from politics home]It's been a night of some fresh changes and first times, there was the... more
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