The Contender

[Devout Centrist]

Looks like Trump in a landslide

[NHI]

The Donald Strikes Back!

President Trump came ready for a fight in his town hall and final debate with Senator Al Franken. The President blasted the Minnesota Senator as a "lightweight on policy" and said he represented the worst combinations of Former President Barack Obama and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. "He cares only about the donors, he says he's for the people, but he does exactly what the establishment tells him." This was the Trump of the campaign trail, this was Trump, unplugged. In attempts to check or critique him from moderator Scott Pelley, the President kept up his attack and deflected.

The most intense exchange of the night, came between Senator Franken and the President over the role of Tweeting and the Presidency. Franken chastised Trump for being too willing to tweet on impulse, rather than to deliver a measured and thoughtful response. The President fired back and defended his tweeting. "I speak only for the people, this is my way of communicating and I think it's effective because it's real, and it's not political speak, that my opponent likes to deliver."

Instant polls conducted after the debate, showed Trump the perceived winner with 40% saying the President won the debate, versus 28% who said Franken won. The debates are finished, as the President stood by his decision to skip the planned third Presidential debate; this leaves the remaining weeks of the campaign to crisscrossing the country. National polls show the race tightening between Franken and Trump. Franken leads Trump, 47% to 46% in the latest CNN/ORC Poll.

Franken Hits the Stump: "We Must Defeat Trump!"

Oct. 12th: Franken campaigns in OH, PA, NH and ME

Trump Campaign Schedule: "Keep up the fight for America!"

Oct: 13: Trump swings through MI, WI, IA, MO, FL

Franken pulls out the Headliners; Obama hits the trail

Oct. 14th: Obama joins Franken in NC & FL "Vote to make America Better!"

Trump & Pence Campaign in: ME, NH, PA, OH & IA

Oct: 15th/16th: Trump hits the midwest: PA, OH, MI, WI, IA

Booker Tries to Recover from 'Bad Debate'

Oct 17th: Booker blasts Trump as "a sad orange man" while speaking in GA.

Trump swings through New Jersey; Mocks Booker

Oct. 18th: Joined by Former Gov. Chris Christie, Trump made a campaign stop in the Garden State.

Trump Sounds off on Franken/Booker Ticket

National Poll: Tied Race

Franken: 47%

Trump: 47%

[R/H]

Go Franken! Franken for President!

[Pericles]

Maybe Trump can be the victim of a last minute October Surprise like Clinton was.

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

Franken 2020!

[NHI]

Trump 'Confident' in Reelection

Speaking at the last rally of the campaign in Detroit, Michigan President Donald Trump sounded upbeat. "We're leading everywhere. I think it's going to be a blowout!" National polls show a tight race with Trump barely ahead of Senator Al Franken 48% to 47%, but in many of the key states, the President is holding onto his lead. In Michigan the President currently leads Franken 48.1% to 48.0% - a statistical tie. Still, his campaign projected a confident tone closing out the final event. "We're going to win this election," said campaign manager Kellyanne Conway.

Al Franken Looks for an Upset

In late summer and early fall, polls showed Senator Al Franken pulling into the lead over President Trump, but in recent weeks the race has tightened and the Franken campaign is hoping to buck the national polls which show a close, but small lead for the President. "They're the underdog," said Charlie Cook of the Political Report. "He needs to take back states that Obama won in '08 and '12, and that Clinton lost in 2016."

Franken's campaign has tried to paint the President as another 'politician' unable to keep many of his 2016 campaign promises, including a pledge to "repeal and replace Obamacare." Still, Franken's efforts and attacks have failed to land on the President. "Trump is not a conventional politician," said Cook. "If Franken were running against Ted Cruz or Marco Rubio right now and they had the baggage and the problems the President has, I think Franken would be leading by five to ten points, but Trump is different. He presents himself differently than other politicans, because he is truly not a politician."

In his closing argument, at a rally in Tampa, FL Franken blasted the President for "trying to con the American people into another four years." Franken promised to reverse the 'backward policies' of Trump and would vow to 'move America forward!'

First in the Nation

Voters in the tiny town of Dixsville Notch, NH went to polls at midnight to cast their votes for President. In the tradition of voting at 12:00, eighteen residents gave 8 votes to Al Franken and 9 votes to Donald Trump. 1 vote went to Libertarian nominee Justin Amash. Hart's Location, the other town in New Hampshire where voters cast their ballots at midnight have yet to report their results.

Breaking News: Hart's Location; Franken: 56.2% --- Trump: 40.6% --- Amash: 3.2%

NH Presidential Election Results: <1%

Al Franken: 52%

Donald Trump: 44%

Justin Amash: 4%

America Goes to the Polls!

News Alert: Turnout # expected to exceed 2016

Trump Campaign: Victory Anticipated!

Franken Campaign: We're encouraged by high turnout numbers.

Pres. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump vote in NYC

The President spoke to reporters: "I feel great about tonight!"

Franken makes surprise apperance in Ohio: Get out and vote!

CNN: First Exit Polls Released

..."a snapshot where the voters stand in the 2020 race for President!"

Donald Trump: 49%

Al Franken: 48%

...and here we go.

President Donald Trump: 0

Senator Al Franken: 0

[NHI]

✓ Donald Trump wins: Kentucky

Trump: 59.8% ( 8 )
Franken: 40.0%

✓ Donald Trump wins: Indiana

Trump: 54.0% (11)
Franken: 44.9%

✓ Donald Trump wins: South Carolina

Trump: 55.0% (9)
Franken: 43.7%

✓ Al Franken wins: Vermont

Al Franken: 61.1% (3)
Donald Trump: 37.5%

President Donald Trump: 28 (51.6%)

Senator Al Franken: 3 (47.4%)

Uncalled for: 28

President Trump off to an early lead, carrying three of the four states called. Senator Franken carrying as expected Vermont. All the states projected come as no surprise. The real battle is in the states of Georgia and Virginia, both which are too early to call. -- Jake Tapper, CNN

Georgia: <1%
Donald Trump: 51.0%
Al Franken: 45.9%

Virginia: <1%
Donald Trump: 50.0%
Al Franken: 49.4%

We are watching the results in Virginia and Georgia. President Trump is in the lead in both states, but the margins are very close and only one percent of the precints have reported. -- Wolf Blitzer, CNN

Exit polls show a close race between President Trump and Senator Franken. CNN's exit polls gave the President a one point advantage over Franken 49% to 48%. -- Anderson Cooper, CNN

Ohio, West Virginia, North Carolina

✓ Donald Trump wins: West Virginia

Donald Turmp: 60.5% (5)
Al Franken: 39.4%

Another expected win for the President in West Viriginia. Senator Franken's campaign hoped to make the state competitve, give Franken's performance in the primary, but tonight the state remains in the Republican column. -- Jake Tapper, CNN

President Donald Trump: 33 (53.4%)

Senator Al Franken: 3 (45.8%)

Uncalled for: 28

We are continuing to watch the all important states of North Carolina and Ohio. Both states won by the President four years ago, both states were very competive this year. Right now they are too close to call. -- Wolf Blitzer, CNN

It is interesting four years ago the President won Ohio easily over Hillary Clinton and tonight, he is in the lead, but it is much more competitive. -- Anderson Cooper, CNN

Four years ago the Clinton Campaign conceded Ohio early to President Trump. Four years later, the Democrats are playing very hard in this state. It went for Barack Obama twice, the states' conditions economically have not been great for Republicans, so this will be one to watch. If Senator Franken can flip it, then he will likely run the table tonight. If the President holds onto it, then this night may go as we expect it might. -- John King, CNN

Ohio: <1%
Donald Trump: 52.0%
Al Franken: 47.9%

North Carolina: <1%
Donald Trump: 52.5%
Al Franken: 46.1%

Alabama, Connecitcut, Delaware, D.C., Florida, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee

[Typo fixed - Kalwejt]

[America Needs R'hllor]

This is so good!

[NHI]

This is so good!

Thanks!

[NHI]

✓ Al Franken wins: Connecticut

Al Franken: 60.5% (7)
Donald Turmp: 38.1%

✓ Al Franken wins: Delaware

Al Franken: 59.0% (3)
Donald Turmp: 39.2%

✓ Al Franken wins: District of Columbia

Al Franken: 93.9% (3)
Donald Turmp: 3.5%

✓ Al Franken wins: Illinois

Al Franken: 56.0 (20)
Donald Turmp: 42.8%

✓ Al Franken wins: Maryland

Al Franken: 58.1% (10)
Donald Turmp: 38.9%

✓ Al Franken wins: Massachusetts

Al Franken: 61.9% (11)
Donald Turmp: 37.7%

✓ Al Franken wins: New Jersey

Al Franken: 58.0% (14)
Donald Turmp: 40.9%

✓ Al Franken wins: Maine CD 1

Al Franken: 55.2% (1)
Donald Turmp: 42.7%

✓ Al Franken wins: Rhode Island

Al Franken: 60.7% (4)
Donald Turmp: 37.8%

✓ Donald Trump wins: Alabama

Donald Trump: 61.6% (9)
Al Franken: 36.9%

✓ Donald Trump wins: Mississippi

Donald Trump: 57.9% (6)
Al Franken: 41.0%

✓ Donald Trump wins: Tennessee

Donald Trump: 59.1% (11)
Al Franken: 39.8%

✓ Donald Trump wins: Oklahoma

Donald Trump: 62.2% (7)
Al Franken: 36.5%

Senator Al Franken: 76 (47.8%)

President Donald Trump: 66 (51.1%)

Uncalled for: 128

States falling where they're expected tonight. No surprises here. New Jersey and Connecticut, both states seen early on as targets by the Trump campaign remain in the Democratic column tonight. -- Wolf Blitzer, CNN

We are looking at the battleground of Pennsylvania. Won by President Trump four years ago. We are catergorizing the Keystone State as too close to call with 2% of the vote reported. -- Jake Tapper, CNN

Pennsylvania: 2%
Donald Trump: 50.3%
Al Franken: 48.5%

New Hampshire: 2%
Al Franken: 51.1%
Donald Trump: 46.9%

Florida: <1%
Donald Trump: 50.5%
Al Franken: 47.7%

Missouri: 1%
Donald Trump: 55.1%
Al Franken: 44.6%

Maine: 1%
Al Franken: 52.2%
Donald Trump: 46.1%

Not much data to go off here, because it is still early. We are looking at a tight race in both Pennsylvania and Florida, two states won by the President last time and played for heavily by both campaigns this time around. -- Anderson Cooper, CNN

Looking at some of the other battlegrounds in Ohio, the President is leading Al Franken, but the margin has dropped as more votes come in. -- John King, CNN

Ohio: 18%
Donald Trump: 51.5%
Al Franken: 48.5%

Georgia: 25%
Donald Trump: 50.9%
Al Franken: 46.6%

North Carolina: 12%
Donald Trump: 51.9%
Al Franken: 47.1%

PROJECTION: ✓ Al Franken wins: Virginia

Al Franken: 51.4% (13)
Donald Trump: 46.9%

Virginia goes for Mr. Franken. An expected win, but we cannot ignore how early we are calling this state. -- Jake Tapper, CNN

[NHI]

President Donald Trump: 138 (51.1%)

Senator Al Franken: 133 (47.9%)

... still many states left to call and President Trump holding onto a narrow lead in both the popular and electoral college. -- Jake Tapper, CNN

PROJECTION: ✓  Al Franken wins: New Hampshire

Al Franken: 51.1% (4)
Donald Trump: 47.0%

...Senator Franken wins New Hampshire, keeping another state won by Hillary Clinton in the Democratic Column. -- Wolf Blitzer, CNN

New Hampshire, was another battleground state, and tonight Al Franken wins it over President Trump. -- Anderson Cooper, CNN

CNN can now make another projection, Donald Trump will win the second congressional District in Maine. He picks up one delegate. We have NOT called the state outright. -- Wolf Blitzer, CNN

President Donald Trump: 139 (51.1%)

Senator Al Franken: 137 (47.9%)

Maine: 39%
Al Franken: 52.0%
Donald Trump: 46.8%

Michigan: 14%
Donald Trump: 49.6%
Al Franken: 49.5%

Pennsylvania: 27%
Donald Trump: 49.6%
Al Franken: 49.3%

Ohio: 45%
Donald Trump: 50.6%
Al Franken: 48.9%

North Carolina: 52%
Donald Trump: 50.5%
Al Franken: 47.9%

Florida: 44%
Donald Trump: 50.5%
Al Franken: 48.9%

Missouri: 57%
Donald Trump: 51.8%
Al Franken: 47.1%

Georgia: 66%
Donald Trump: 50.8%
Al Franken: 47.0%

Wisconsin: 24%
Al Franken: 50.3%
Donald Trump: 49.6%

Colorado: 19%
Al Franken: 50.6%
Donald Trump: 48.0%

Arizona, Iowa, Montana, Nevada, Utah

✓ Al Franken wins: Nevada

Al Franken: 52.7% (6)
Donald Trump: 46.5%

✓ Donald Trump wins: Utah

Donald Trump: 55.2%
Al Franken: 40.7% (6)
Justin Amash: 3.7%

President Donald Trump: 145 (51.0%)

Senator Al Franken: 143 (48.0%)

...Donald Trump winning as expected Utah, and Nevada going early for Al Franken. -- Jake Tapper, CNN

Surprising to me is Montana. Now we only have 1 percent of the vote in, but we are labeling it too early to call. -- John King, CNN

Iowa: <1%
Donald Trump: 54.1%
Al Franken: 45.2%

Arizona: 2%
Donald Trump: 51.6%
Al Franken: 47.4%

Montana: 1%
Donald Trump: 54.0%
Al Franken: 43.2%
Justin Amash: 1.7%

PROJECTION: ✓ AL FRANKEN WINS: MAINE

Al Franken: 51.9% (3)
Donald Trump: 46.9%

President Donald Trump: 145 (51.0%)

Senator Al Franken: 145 (48.0%)

PROJECTION: ✓  AL FRANKEN wins: COLORADO

Al Franken: 50.7% (9)
Donald Trump: 48.0%

Another state for the Minnesota Senator. He carries Colorado, adding to his electoral total. Mr. Franken is now leading the President 154 to 145. -- Anderson Cooper, CNN

PROJECTION: ✓ Donald Trump wins Georgia

Donald Trump: 50.2% (16)
Al Franken: 48.0%

President Donald Trump: 154 (51.0%)

Senator Al Franken: 161 (48.2%)

Republicans can breathe a sigh of relief. The President wins Georgia, though it narrower than expected, further showcasing this states trend towards the Democrats. -- John King, CNN

All eyes though, remain on the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan and Florida. These states, or a combination of them will likely hold the keys to the White House and determine who will occupy the Oval Office for the next four years. -- Anderson Cooper, CNN

[UWS]

Wouldn't Justin Amash's Libertarian candidacy doom Trump in Michigan by dividing the conservative vote in Michigan?

Because it's Amash's home state.

And maybe Pennsylvania's neighborhood with New Jersey, Cory Booker's home state, could help Franken to win Pennsylvania.

[Blackacre]

Some notes:

Franken hasn't won any Trump states yet, but he is winning old HRC states much sooner than she did. Maine, New Hampshire, and Minnesota were all very late HRC calls, but were pretty early Franken ones. (ofc MN is pretty obvious)

I'm also surprised at the early calls in GA and SC. (SC was instant) Those two states were called much later in 2016 than they are here.

Combine those two things, though, and you probably just get a wash explained away by increases in vote count speed.

[America Needs R'hllor]

Some notes:

Franken hasn't won any Trump states yet, but he is winning old HRC states much sooner than she did. Maine, New Hampshire, and Minnesota were all very late HRC calls, but were pretty early Franken ones. (ofc MN is pretty obvious)

I'm also surprised at the early calls in GA and SC. (SC was instant) Those two states were called much later in 2016 than they are here.

Combine those two things, though, and you probably just get a wash explained away by increases in vote count speed.

True, but we are also seeing much narrower margins in many places Trump won like Ohio, and Franken actually leading Wisconsin. Lastly, while Trump couldn't make NJ and CT competitive, it's clear that Trump did make MO and MT at least somehow tight, so that could be an encouraging sign.

[NHI]

BREAKING NEWS: Michigan TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Al Franken: 49.4%
Donald Trump: 49.3%
Justin Amash: 1.1%

Michigan is the tightest race we have here. Senator Franken has narrowly pulled ahead of th President, with now 38 percent reporting. The state remains too close to call.  The President started out with a narrow lead, but Senator Fraken has overtaken him and continues to hold onto his narrow edge against Trump. This is a state, where we should also mention is home to Libertarian and Republican congressman Justin Amash. Now he failed to gain much traction in this election, first trying to primary the President and then dropping out and seeking the Libertarian nomination.
Now his margin is slim, but one can make the argument his presence and home state advantage is hurting Trump just enough to give Mr. Franken the lead in the state. -- Jake Tapper, CNN

Another state we are continuing to monitor is Pennsylvania. The Minnesota Senator is narrowly leading the President, now 43% reporting -- Wolf Blitzer

Pennsylvania: 44%
Al Franken: 49.41%
Donald Trump: 49.34%

All eyes remain on the key battleground state. If Senator Franken is looking for an upset tonight, then Pennsylvania is where it is likely to occur. -- John King, CNN

In the states of Florida and North Carolina, we are unable to project a winner at this time. -- Anderson Cooper, CNN

Florida: 61%
Donald Trump: 49.7%
Al Franken: 49.1%

North Carolina: 75%
Donald Trump: 49.9%
Al Franken: 48.5%

Califorinia, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon & Washington

✓ AL FRANKEN wins: Califorinia, Hawaii, Oregon & Washington

Al Franken: 62.4% (55)
Donald Trump: 36.4%


Al Franken: 61.9% (4)
Donald Trump: 36.8%


Al Franken: 59.4% (7)
Donald Trump: 40.0%


Al Franken: 58.9% (12)
Donald Trump: 39.7%

Projection: ✓ Donald Trump wins Idaho

Donald Trump: 62.0% (4)
Al Franken: 37.4%

Senator Al Franken: 232 (48.9%)

President Donald Trump: 165 (50.4%)

No surprises with these calls. Each state going as expected. -- Jake Tapper, CNN

We can see a big jump in the popular vote count for Senator Al Franken, in part thanks to California and a narrower lead nationally for the President. -- Wolf Blitzer, CNN

PROJECTION: ✓  Donald Trump wins Montana

Donald Trump: 53.2% (3)
Al Franken: 44.9%
Justin Amash: 1.1%

Another Republican state remains faithful tonight. Donald Trump carries Montana. -- John King, CNN

Senator Al Franken: 232 (48.9%)

President Donald Trump: 168 (50.4%)

NORTH CAROLINA: TOO CLOSE TO CALL

North Carolina: 84%
Donald Trump: 49.8%
Al Franken: 48.8%

A point seperate the two candidates, a few thousand vote difference in the battleground state of North Carolina. -- Wolf Blitzer, CNN

The Franken campaign really hoped to flip this state tonight. Having Cory Booker on the ticket, has raised hopes of increased African-American turnout, enough to flip the state back the Democrats,and while we don't have enough data yet we can look to the the fact that North Carolinans reelected their Governor Roy Cooper 51% to 47%, so for the Franken campaign the possibility is slim, but the fact that the state is so close and we cannot call it has to give them hope. -- John King, CNN

Another state we're continuing to watch is Iowa. The race is still too close to call, with the President slightly ahead. -- Jake Tapper, CNN

Iowa: 41%
Donald Trump: 51.4%
Al Franken: 48.0%

Projection: ✓ Donald Trump wins Missouri

Donald Trump: 51.6%
Al Franken: 47.9%

Donald Trump holds Missouri, another GOP faithful, though the margin tonight is closer than his win in the state four years ago. The Franken campaign made a late play for the state, and while they did win it they managed to keep Donald Trump from winning by double didgits, like he did against Hillary Clinton. -- John King, CNN

Senator Al Franken: 232 (49.0%)

President Donald Trump: 178 (50.1%)

[NHI]

PROJECTION: ✓ Al Franken wins Wisconsin

Al Franken: 50.0% (10)
Donald Trump: 48.9%

Senator Al Franken: 242 (49.0%)

President Donald Trump: 178 (50.1%)

...This is a big one. Senator Franken carries Wisconsin. One the biggest battlegrounds of the 2016 and 2020 elections, tonight it goes Democratic, voting for Al Franken. -- Anderson Cooper, CNN

Al Franken has done something, which up until now he has been unable to do which is flip a Trump state. Remember Wisconsin had voted straight Democrat from 1988 through 2012. It broke in 2016 and vote for Trump, partially on the premise their was much disdain for Hillary Clinton. Tonight, while closer than I'm sure some would like, it goes Democrat again and is in the Franken column. A very big deal for the Minnesota Senator. -- John King, CNN

Now the question remains is this game, set, match or can President Trump recover? -- Jake Tapper, CNN

He can recover, but he's got to hold onto Florida, Ohio, Michigan and North Carolina and Pennsylvania. The problem for the Trump campaign begins here in Pennsylvania. With 88% of the counted, much of the Republican vote has come in and Senator Franken's lead remains intact. -- John King, CNN

Pennsyvlania: 88%
Al Franken: 49.6%
Donald Trump: 48.4%

Now in Florida, the President is leading, and he's leading still in Ohio, which is good. So if you're counting at home, Florida and Ohio together get the President to 240. Now assuming he carries Arizona which he likely will that gets him to 251. He takes Iowa he's at 257. He needs Michigan or Pennsylvania. -- John King, CNN

We're continuing to monitor the states of Florida, Ohio, Michigan and North Carolina where a winner has yet to be called. Here are numbers. -- Jake Tapper, CNN

Florida: 79%
Donald Trump: 49.7%
Al Franken: 49.1%

Ohio: 89%
Donald Trump: 49.4%
Al Franken: 49.3%

Michigan: 76%
Al Franken: 49.3%
Donald Trump: 49.1%
Justin Amash: 1.4%

North Carolina: 94%
Donald Trump: 49.7%
Al Franken: 48.9%

In the state of Arizona, former Republican stronghold we are unable to project a winner yet. Arizona is still too close to call. -- Wolf Blitzer, CNN

Arizona: 47%
Donald Trump: 50.5%
Al Franken: 48.4%

If I'm in the Trump Campaign and I'm Republican you have to be thinking this is not how I expected this night to go. -- Anderson Coper, CNN

Look, we had a late election night four years ago. I can tonight 2020 is following the same path. -- Jeffrey Lorde, CNN

Look, the fact is Donald Trump is someone who ran on bluster and bluster four years ago, and I'm being nice the way I say that here, and the fact of the matter is Senator Franken is running a smarter and more effective campaign than Hillary Clinton did last time. At the moment, I say it's slim advantage Trump, but I would not count out Al Franken, not by a long shot. -- Ana Navara, CNN

I think the big take away here tonight is Wisconsin. Hillary Clinton lost the state four years ago and yes some people, I'm Jeffrey will make it in a moment, and say well it neighbors Minnesota, okay fair point, but the fact is Franken has flipped a Trump state and now is keeping the margins close in Ohio, in Arizona, in FLorida and North Carolina. He's up in Pennsylvania and Michigan. For him there are a lot of paths to winning 270, for the President the path is shorter. He's got to hold onto the states he won. He cannot afford to lose another one. -- David Axelrod, CNN

Okay, to you Jeffrey what's the worst case scearnio aside from obviously losing? What state can the Trump campaign do without? -- Anderson Cooper, CNN

Honestly, if Pennsylvania falls, then I think we're in trouble. Michigan because of Amash it's a wash there, but if Pennsylvania goes it'll be tough, not impossible, but certainly tougher. -- Jeffrey Lorde, CNN

Right now The President is barely ahead in Ohio, he's barely ahead in North Carolina, the only state I would comfortably say at the moment will likely go to the President is Florida. -- John King, CNN

Iowa: Too Close to Call

Iowa: 56%
Donald Trump: 50.2%
Al Franken: 48.5%

National Popular Vote:

President Donald Trump: 49.4%

Senator Al Franken: 49.0%

PROJECTION: ✓ Donald Trump wins North Carolina

Donald Trump: 49.7%
Al Franken: 49.0%

Senator Al Franken: 242 (49.0%)

President Donald Trump: 193 (49.3%)

Donald Trump is the projected winner in North Carolina. The President narrowly holds onto the state, denying Senator Franken a chance to pickup another Trump state. -- Jake Tapper, CNN

With nearly all the vote counted, Donald Trump will win North Carolina, bringing his electoral count to 193. Still, many states left to call including Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan.

OHIO: TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Ohio: 96%
Donald Trump: 49.47%
Al Franken: 49.30%

Ohio is too close to call. The margin is extremely tight between President Trump and Senator Franken, with the ever increasing likelihood this state may go to a recount. -- John King, CNN

Three other key race alerts in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Iowa. -- Wolf Blitzer, CNN

PA, MI, IA: TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Pennsylvania: 94%
Al Franken: 49.59%
Donald Turmp: 49.39%

Michigan: 90%
Al Franken: 49.35%
Donald Trump: 49.10%
JustinAmash: 1.31%

Iowa: 82%
Donald Trump: 49.8%
Al Franken: 48.8%

[NHI]

Pennsylvania: 97%
Al Franken: 49.6%
Donald Turmp: 49.4%

Michigan: 93%
Al Franken: 49.3%

Donald Trump: 49.1%
JustinAmash: 1.3%



Iowa: 90%
Donald Trump: 49.5%
Al Franken: 48.9%

Alaska

PROJECTION: ✓ Donald Trump Wins: Alaska

Donald Trump: 55.2%
Al Franken: 42.0%
Justin Amash: 1.0%

Senator Al Franken: 242 (49.1%)

President Donald Trump: 196 (49.3%)

Donald Trump is the winner in Alaska. Early polls indicated a tighter race, but tonight it remains safely in the GOP column. -- Jake Tapper, CNN

We are still watching many outstanding races. Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida and Arizona remain too close to call. -- John King, CNN

In the state of Florida, with nearly all the vote in and counted, we cannot yet make a projection. John, where do things look at this hour. -- Wolf Blitzer, CNN

Donald Trump has maintained a narrow lead throughout the night. Senator Franken has creeped up a little, doing better than Hillary Clinton with Latinos and African-Americans, but Donald Trump has still managed to hold onto his base. Now it's narrowed and many of been splintered off, but --

Stand by, we have a projection. -- Wolf Blitzer.

PROJECTION: ✓ Donald Trump wins Florida

Florida: 97%

Donald Trump: 49.7%
Al Franken: 49.1%

CNN can now project Donald Trump, has won the state of Florida. The President carries the important-battleground state, bringing him to 225 electoral votes. A needed win for the Trump campaign tonight. -- Wolf Blitzer, CNN

Senator Al Franken: 242 (49.1%)

President Donald Trump: 225 (49.3%)

A significant win for President Trump. Where do things stand now, we turn back to our panel, Jeffrey Lorde this must be a happy moment for you. -- Anderson Cooper, CNN

We can all breathe a little easier tonight. Look, in all seriousness this is still an uphill fight and I say this a Trump defender, as a strong supporter of this man. He needs to hold onto Ohio and keep either Pennsylvania or Michigan. -- Jeffrey Lord, CNN

Not both? -- Anderson Cooper, CNN

I don't think both are possible, given the numbers and the votes left to come in. I feel better about Pennsylvania than I do about Michigan and I don't feel all that great about Pennsylvania. -- Jeffrey Lord, CNN

Ohio: 99%
Donald Trump: 49.49%
Al Franken: 49.37%

President Trump holding onto his narrow lead in the state of Ohio, with now nearly all the vote in and counted, CNN can now make a projection. -- Wolf Blitzer, CNN

Projection: ✓ Donald Trump  wins: Ohio

Ohio: 99%
Donald Trump: 49.5%
Al Franken: 49.4%

President Donald Trump holds the state of Ohio. The President wins the all important state. It is worth noting, no Republican has won the White House since 1964 without carrying Ohio. -- Wolf Blitzer, CNN

President Donald Trump: 243 (49.2%)

Senator Al Franken: 242 (49.1%)

Donald Trump is up again by one delegate in the electoral college. All eyes now focus on the states of Michigan and Pennsylvania, which will determine the winner in the 2020 race for President. -- Jake Tapper, CNN

[NHI]

Senator Al Franken: 262 (49.1%)

President Donald Trump: 243 (49.2%)

A major moment in this election night, and they there at Franken Campaign Headquarters know what this means. -- Anderson Cooper, CNN

He needed to flip another big state and tonight's he done it. He's won back Wisconsin and Pennslyvania, both states carried by Donald Trump four years ago. Now for those watching at home what does mean, looking at the map and the states remaining, President Trump needs to run the board. He needs Michigan, without he's done. He needs to keep Arizona, a state where he's narrowly ahead and keep Iowa, another state where he's narrowly ahead. -- John King, CNN

Iowa: 97%
Donald Trump: 49.48%
Al Franken: 49.16%

Donald Trump holds onto a narrow lead in the state of Iowa, with 96 percent of the vote counted we cannot project a winner at this time. -- Wolf Blitzer, CNN

Michigan: 99%
Al Franken: 49.24%
Donald Trump: 49.11%
Justin Amash: 1.39%

As is the case in the state of Michigan. Senator Franken narrowly leads the President. A margin down to just a few thousand votes. This state will likely be headed for an automatic recount. -- Wolf Blitzer, CNN

Arizona: 94%
Donald Trump: 49.91%
Al Franken: 48.90%

Arizona, we are unable to call. Now with 94% of the vote counted, it remains too close to call. -- Wolf Blitzer, CNN

[Pericles]

So close. Great TL, can't wait to see the results!

[R/H]

Dump Trump!

[BigVic]

Please not another Florida-2000 situtation and a 2nd straight election where the EC winner loses the PV.

[NHI]

BREAKING NEWS: SEN. FRANKEN TAKES LEAD IN POPULAR VOTE

SENATOR AL FRANKEN: 49.1%

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: 49.0%

Senator Franken has overtaken the President in the popular vote. A major turning point in this election night. The lead is narrow, but the Minnesota Senator is leading by at least 2000 votes, nationally. -- Wolf Blitzer, CNN

This is a big event. The President up until this point has held a lead in the popular vote, and now we're heading into familair territory. If the trends continue, Senator Franken will likely win the popular vote by a significant margin, and should he lose the electoral college then -- Anderson Cooper, CNN

I think if Al Franken loses the electoral vote, but wins the popular vote then in 2024 the electoral college is going into the ashbin, because this is crazy! -- Ana Navara, CNN

Iowa: 99%
Donald Trump: 49.30%
Al Franken: 49.26%

The margin has tightened in Iowa. President Trump narrowly leads Senator Franken, now with 99% of the vote counted. A state, which was friendly to Donald Trump four years ago is now barely in his column. -- John King, CNN

We must remember Al Franken won this state in the primary and it neighbors Minnesota to the South, so there may be an affect here because of Franken's proximity to the state. -- Jake Tapper, CNN

Jake, John standby. We have a major projection. -- Wolf Blitzer, CNN

✓ Sen. Al Franken Elected U.S. President

CNN can now project, Senator Al Franken of Minnesota is now President-Elect of the United States. He defeats President Donald Trump in the 2020 Presidential Election. The Senator from Minnesota, 69 years old will be the 46th President of the United States. -- Wolf Blitzer, CNN



Michigan: 99%
Al Franken: 49.3% (16)
Donald Trump: 49.1%
Justin Amash: 1.3%

The time is 2:35 AM. The state of Michigan puts the Senator over the top. He wins the election, defeating President Donald Trump, in what may be one of the closest and hardest thought campaigns. -- John King, CNN

No word yet from the Trump campaign. -- Jake Tapper, CNN

Panel is this a done deal? -- Anderson Cooper, CNN

Yes. -- David Axelrod, CNN

Michigan may go through a recount, but looking at the states left. The President will likely win Arizona, but I wouldn't be surprised if Iowa flipped. -- Ana Navaro, CNN

Let's wait and see. This is a hard thought campaign and - Jeffrey Lord, CNN

Do you not think the President will concede? -- Anderson Cooper, CNN

I'm saying let's wait and see. This has been a long night and I'm sure they're pouring over all the data their disposal and making sure this thing is airtight. Remember, Hillary Clinton did not concede until the next morning after her loss. -- Jefrrey Lord, CNN

Okay, on that happy thought. David Axelrod, you're an expert at these election. First, let's begin with the basic, how did the Senator make this happen? -- Anderson Cooper, CNN

He went to the states he needed to win. He needed to win back the blue wall. Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. He went three for three. He may end up getting Iowa, but he won the states the President won narrowly over Hillary Clinton four years ago. So putting aside all the theatrics this is a major feat. Defeating an incumbent President is no easy task. We saw it in 2012, Governor Romeny gave a strong effort against President Obama, and came up short. It is not easy to win, and Senator Franken found a way to make it happen, so he obviously did something right and connected with the people. -- David Axelrod

✓ Senator Al Franken: 278 (49.1%)

President Donald Trump: 243 (48.9%)

BREAKING NEWS: Pres. Trump will Not Speak To Supporters. Statement coming in the Morning.

We are now getting word the President will not be delivering a concession speech tonight, but instead will deliver a statement from the White House later this morning. So there you have it. -- Jake Tapper, CNN

So has he conceded? -- John King, CNN

CNN has not received any confirmation if there has been a concession call or not -- Jake Tapper, CNN

Hold on. Standby. CNN can now confirm that a concession call has been made from President Trump to Senator Franken. -- Wolf Blitzer, CNN

BREAKING NEWS: Pres. Trump Calls Sen. Franken to Concede Election

President Trump, CNN has just learned, called Senator Franken, now President-Elect, a few moments ago and conceded the election. Our sources tell us the call was brief, the President congratulated Senator Franken on a 'fine job'. -- Anderson Cooper, CNN

Okay. It's done. -- Jake Tapper, CNN

...President-Elect Franken has taken the stage. Let's listen in. -- Wolf Blitzer, CNN

President-Elect Al Franken Addresses Supporters in St. Paul, MN

...I spoke with the President nearly and hour ago and he called to concede. I thanked him for a spirited and hard thought campaign. He, his family and supporters deserves our appreciation and our applause tonight. They gave it one hell of a run. I look forward to meeting with the President in the coming days to begin the transition and moving our country forward, because above all else, we as a nation must begin to heal. We have to heal, and we have to unite...

PROJECTION: ✓  President Trump wins: Arizona

Arionza: 100%

Donald Trump: 49.87% (11)
Al Franken: 48.89%

✓ Senator Al Franken: 278 (49.1%)

President Donald Trump: 254 (48.8%)

[BigVic]

The USA is saved! Great timeline. Edge-of-your-seat election.

[MAINEiac4434]

YES!!!!!

[NHI]

BREAKING NEWS: ✓ Sen. Al Franken Elected U.S. President


PROJECTION: ✓ Senator Al Franken Defeats President Trump in '20 Election


BREAKING NEWS: ✓ Al Franken to become 46th POTUS

BREAKING NEWS: Pres. Trump Returns to WH; will Speak at 9AM

We're seeing live footage of the President as he returns to the White House. He's just arrived on the South Lawn and is en route to the Oval Office. We are told the President will speak at 9 AM. -- Wolf Blitzer, CNN

Projection: ✓ Senator Al Franken 'Apparent winner' in Iowa

Iowa: 100%

Al Franken: 49.25%
Donald Trump: 49.24%

✓ Senator Al Franken: 284 (49.2%)

President Donald Trump: 254 (48.7%)

President Trump Statement; Live from WH

President Trump: I want to begin by reading a very short statement. Earlier this morning at 2:45 I called Senator Al Franken and congratulated him on becoming President of the United States. I look forward to working with his team on delivering the smoothest possible transition. I wish him well as he prepares to take office as President in January. I want to thank the millions of people who participated in the democratic process, and I also want to thank the millions of people who voted for me yesterday, and I thank you for your tremendous support. We have accomplished a lot over the last four years and it is my true hope and wish that the progress continue and that our nation remain strong, tough, free and great.

Now I will take a few questions.

Jonathan Karl: Mr. President, were you at all surprised by the results of the election?

President Trump: Hard to say. We thought we were going to win. I think, I thought up until the media started reporting that 'oh there's no way he can comeback' that we were going to win. I mean it's close. The results in the states are close. I think some told me, like a few thousands votes in Iowa and Michigan, so it's really down to the wire in a few of those places.

Jonathan Karl: Follow up, if I -

President Trump: No, next question.

Carl Cameron: President Trump, do you believe this was a fair election? The reason for my question is sources close to your campaign have said many on your staff called the results 'rigged' and unfair. Do you belive that sir?

President Trump: Al Franken, Senator Franken. I guess I can call him President-Elect now. Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Um, look, he, Senator Franken won the electoral college, I think it's like 280 or 284 something like that, and that's the ballgame. That's how we win. That's how elections are decided.

Carl Cameron: Yes, Mr. President but do you share the sentiments of those on your campaign who are calling the election rigged?

President Trump: Um, I don't think so. I don't think so. Look, I wanted to win. I thought we were going to win. We didn't. Look, I've had a great life. I have a wonderful family. I have a great life waiting for me back in New York. I only feel bad for the millions of people who voted for me and it is my hope, my great hope that President-Elect Franken will serve them too, and that he won't forget them, because I would hate to see this country go back to the old ways of doing things.

Jim Acosta: Mr. President, CNN.

President Trump: Yes. Hello Jim.

Jim Acosta: Thank you Mr. President. I have to imagine this has to hurt.

President Trump: Not as much as you might think.

Jim Acosta: What do you believe happened? Do you have an answer right now, and a follow up, because this maybe my last chance to do this do you have any regrets?

President Trump: Hard to tell. I do believe, and this is being very honest, the media in this country is still very dishonest. There is a lot of fake news. I'm not signaling you out Jake, frankly you have been very nice to me recently, as has CNN, so I do appreciate that one. But, I do think there is an effort to stop change, to stop progress. I think people don't like hearing the truth and I only tell the truth folks. Now I hope the new President is treated fairly, I think he will be, more so than me, but I can tell you he's inheriting a great country and I hope you all write this down, because I found a mess waiting for me four years ago. He's in a very good position.

Jim Acosta: Do you have any regrets?

President Trump: I don't do regrets, Jim. I never regret.