1. Trump cancels on CPAC
Republican frontrunner Donald Trump scrapped a planned appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference – a kind of Star Trek convention for rah-rah right-wingers.
A party torn by Trump’s unstoppable rise
Summary
Trump said he had to spend more time in Kansas, one of five states to vote on Saturday, and Florida, where he’s hoping to wipe the floor with Marco Rubio.
CPAC didn’t take it well
Very disappointed @realDonaldTrump has decided at the last minute to drop out of #CPAC -- his choice sends a clear message to conservatives.
— CPAC (@CPAC) March 4, 2016
2. GOP boss admits chance of chaos
“We are in territory that our party hasn’t seen,” said Republican national committee chair Reince Priebus. But he was “85%-90% sure” the party would elect a nominee cleanly. Reassuring!
3. Cleveland cops order extra riot gear
Republicans are supposed to elevate a nominee at a convention in July in Cleveland. On Friday, the city’s police force announced plans to buy 2,000 riot-control suits with collapsible batons and shin guards.
Summary
Republican hopeful John Kasich predicted a chaotic convention with no foretold nominee. “Can you think of anything cooler than a convention?” he said. With only 25 delegates so far, he would say that.
CPAC questions Trump’s bona fides
Summary
The Republican sturm und drang grew after a poisonously contentious debate showdown in Detroit a night earlier. Trump called his rivals “little Marco” and “lyin’ Ted” and guaranteed his penis was ample.
Talk of Trump junk a disservice to voters
4. Simmons: Sanders can’t deliver
Impresario and activist Russell Simmons endorsed Hillary Clinton for president, saying Bernie Sanders was “overstating what he can deliver to underserved communities”.
5. Carson hooks up day job
It seems like only yesterday that Ben Carson was actively running for president. In fact it was three days ago. But Carson landed well: he’s the new head of a Christian get-out-the-vote group. “This time it’s life and death,” he said.
6. Trump reverses torture pose
After insisting at the debate that the military would not hesitate to carry out orders he might give as president – even orders to break torture laws – Trump backpedaled.
Summary
I do, however, understand that the United States is bound by laws and treaties and I will not order our military or other officials to violate those laws and will seek their advice on such matters.
–Donald J Trump, in an about-face
7. Trudeau suggests US 'pay attention'
“Having a little more of an awareness of what’s going on in the rest of the world, I think is, is what many Canadians would hope for Americans,” Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said. Who?
... and another thing:
How many more of these do we have to sit through? Asking for a friend. #GOPdebate pic.twitter.com/AxGFlerSRW
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) March 4, 2016
