14:33 Media Report: Biden considering exit from campaign
Weeks of Pressure: Biden Reportedly Considering Exit from Presidential Race
According to media reports, President Joe Biden, who has been under health pressure, is now reportedly weighing an exit from the presidential race against his rival Donald Trump. The "New York Times" cites several sources from Biden's circle, who claim that the 81-year-old has begun to accept that he may not be able to win the November election. "Reality is setting in," the "New York Times" reports from Biden's circle. The source also indicates that Biden may soon support Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate instead. Another close associate, however, emphasized that Biden has not made a decision yet.
13:50 Attacker Informed Himself About Other School Shooters
The Trump assassination attempt suspect reportedly informed himself about another school shooter, who shot and killed four students at a high school in Michigan in 2021, and the charges against his parents, according to CNN, citing FBI and Secret Service officials.
13:17 Hulk Hogan Praises "Gladiator" Trump in Bizarre Speech
As a professional wrestler, Hulk Hogan became a folk hero in the US during the 80s and 90s. Commercial and film appearances followed. Now, Hulk Hogan enters the presidential campaign in a spectacular way. At the Republican Party convention, he pays tribute to Donald Trump in wrestling style:
12:36 Spahn Praises Trump's Foreign Policy Positions
Union Vice-Fraction Leader Jens Spahn finds praiseworthy words for Trump's foreign policy positions. Spahn mentioned on MDR roughly Trump's stance on China containment and Israel's existence. The former health minister also addressed Trump's announced peace initiative for Ukraine. He said Europeans should "be part of these talks" and should not be content with the role of spectators. Spahn, who was an observer at the Republican Party convention, emphasized to the media network that Trump "is often right in foreign policy." "Our Iran policy was wrong in retrospect, his was right. Our policy on Nord Stream 2 was wrong, he warned us." Trump has been demanding "for years" that Europe do more for its security, Spahn said. "We have kept our eyes closed for too long."
11:52 Communication Expert: Trump's "Unusual Tones"
With over 90 minutes, Donald Trump delivers the longest nomination speech to date. However, it is not just "typical campaigning with a ton of fake news," says communication expert Christian Galvez, but also "unusual tones" for the Republicans:
11:26 Trump Campaign Staging Reminds Security Experts of "Life of Brian"
According to security expert Christian Mölling, the content of the speeches at the US Republican Party convention is not the most important thing. "When you see that people really cling to this band. [...] That's like in Life of Brian," he says in the "Stern" podcast "The Situation." "There's this scene at the end where everyone is chasing after someone's sandal. [...] It doesn't matter if it's a sandal or a bandage: Trump is being deified and he is also deifying himself, and that's why the content, I believe, is totally banal."
10:55 Political scientist on Trump's Calculation: "Reliability brings immense risk"
How surprisingly or expected was Trump's speech at the Republican Party convention? Political scientist Thomas Jäger takes a look at the potential consequences of his announcements regarding Ukraine and other US allies. In addition, the political scientist estimates whether Biden will still be the Democratic Party's presidential candidate next week:
10:19 Trump causes more damage than through "ten worst presidents" combined
Trump actually did not intend to mention Biden in his speech, but he deviated from his script again in this regard. "The damage he has caused to this country is unimaginable," he said about the incumbent president. When the "damage" of the ten worst presidents in US history is considered together, it is not as great as the damage caused by Biden.
09:51 When Trump deviates from the script, chaos ensues
In Milwaukee, Trump told of the assassination attempt against him; he looked tired during the account but was then cheered on by delegates and did not always stick to his script - "old tunes come through." NTV reporter Hanna Klouth reports on her impressions of the nomination speech of the now official Republican presidential candidate:
09:15 Trump makes over 20 false claims in speech
CNN counts over 20 false claims in Trump's convention speech. Many of these had already been made by the presidential candidate before, some for years. The topics affected include the economy, immigration, crime, foreign policy, and elections. The statement that he left the Biden administration a world at peace is deemed "absurd" by the network. Trump also repeated the allegation of election fraud against the Democrats - even though this was not in the speech manuscript, according to reports.
08:45 Trump circumvents Taiwan issue in speech
China was only mentioned once in Trump's speech in a national security context. He said that the country surrounds Taiwan - without stating whether his administration would come to Taiwan's aid if it is attacked by China. Trump has not yet committed to a position on this issue.
08:22 Trump falsely accuses Biden of record inflation
After the US inflation rate reached a record high of 9.1% in June 2022, it has since dropped to 3%, according to CNN. Trump's accusation of record inflation under US President Biden is therefore not correct. The record was actually 23.7% in 1920.
08:01 Trump plans to close the border first
Upon his return to the White House, Trump plans to close the border as one of his first official actions to prevent migrants from entering the US. "I will end the illegal immigration crisis by closing our border and completing the wall," the 78-year-old confirmed in his speech at the Republican Party convention. "We must stop the invasion of our country."
07:20 Trump exaggerates in fight against IS in SyriaTrump has excessively boasted about the IS in Syria in his statement, as reported by the "New York Times." Trump claimed that under his leadership, the US had completely defeated the terrorist organization within two months. However, the US-led coalition against the so-called Islamic State had begun in 2014, long before Trump's first presidential term. He continued the strategy of his predecessor Barack Obama, the newspaper clarified. The last territories were therefore lost by the IS in March 2019, not two months, but two years after Trump took office.
06:51 Trump lies about abandoned military equipment in AfghanistanTrump's false claim that the US left military equipment worth $85 billion in Afghanistan during their withdrawal has been repeated by Trump in his speech. As US media clarify, this refers to the total amount that Congress provided during the war for a fund to support Afghan security forces. The abandoned equipment was estimated by the Defense Department to be worth around $7.1 billion, according to CNN.
06:31 Trump insults migrants indirectly as "garbage"Trump used his speech to incite against migrants and used dehumanizing language. "They come from all over," said the 78-year-old. "We have become a dumping ground for the rest of the world - and they laugh at us." Trump spoke for several minutes about immigration. He repeated statements from campaign rallies. He claims, for example, that almost exclusively criminals come over the southern border and people from "mental institutions."
06:18 Trump speaks for 95 minutesDonald Trump's nomination speech ends after a total of 95 minutes. The 78-year-old presents himself at the end with his family on the stage. Melania Trump, who had been absent from important campaign events such as the TV debate between her husband and President Biden, stands by the side of the Republican presidential candidate in Milwaukee.
05:49 Trump: I save democracyDonald Trump called for political disagreements not to be "demonized." The USA should not "criminalize dissent," he said in his Republican Party nomination speech. The 78-year-old does not see himself as a threat to democracy, but rather saves "democracy for the people of our country." Trump is involved in various legal disputes. He presents himself publicly as a victim of a politically motivated "witch hunt." He still refuses to acknowledge his defeat in the 2020 presidential election against Joe Biden.
05:06 Trump remembers attack victim and kisses firefighter's helmetAt his nomination speech in Milwaukee, Donald Trump remembered the man who was killed in the attack on him. Subsequently, Trump kissed the helmet of the firefighter who was killed during a campaign event in the US state of Pennsylvania. The firefighter's jacket was also visible on the stage. "He was incredible," said Trump. The 50-year-old reportedly shielded his wife and daughter from the bullets when the shooter opened fire. He was fatally hit, two other people were seriously injured.
04:53 Trump recounts story of the assassination attemptWith a soft and slower tone than usual, Donald Trump in Milwaukee recounts the story of the assassination attempt against him - "for the first and only time," he explains. For it's too painful to tell it again, Trump says. "I had God on my side. (...) I shouldn't be here tonight." The audience then starts chanting: "But, you should be here!"
04:46 Trump begins nomination speech in conciliatory toneDonald Trump begins his speech at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in a conciliatory tone: "I am running to be President for all of America, not for half of America. There is no victory if you win for half of America."
04:08 Carlson: Aids to Ukraine "middle finger" to AmericansTucker Carlson, the Putin-friendly talk show host, criticized US aid to the Ukraine attacked by Russia at the Republican National Convention. "You're not seeing your President protecting our country or the lives of our citizens - no, that's for Ukraine," the former Fox News moderator in Milwaukee said. "That's a middle finger to every American." Carlson is known for spreading false information and conspiracy theories. Last year, the fiery Trump supporter was fired from the conservative US network Fox News. In early February, he traveled to Moscow for an interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In the interview, Putin spoke uninterrupted for over two hours about Russia and Ukraine. The Ukraine then sarcastically honored Carlson as their "Kremlin insider of the month".
03:35 Trump's daughter-in-law: Assassination attempt changed TrumpLara Trump, Co-Chair of the Republican National Committee, observed a change in her father-in-law. The assassination attempt on Saturday had led the Presidential candidate to rework his upcoming speech and emphasize unity, according to Lara Trump, wife of Trump's son Eric Trump: "I don't think you can go through what he went through on Saturday without it having an effect." Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, however, finds Trump's call for unity unconvincing. "We're too busy watching what you do and what you say," Harris said at a campaign event.
02:27 Trump advisor: Biden's withdrawal would have little impact on Trump's campaignAccording to a senior advisor to Donald Trump, Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race for the White House would not significantly affect Trump's campaign. "Whether it's Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, or any other radical liberal Democrat, they're all responsible for the destruction of our economy and the collapse of our borders," Jason Miller, one of Trump's closest advisors, said on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. In Trump's speech in a few hours, it would not be "about Joe Biden," but "about President Trump and his vision for the country," Miller added.
01:36 Pelosi believes Biden is close to dropping out
According to a report by the "Washington Post", influential Democrat Nancy Pelosi also believes that President Joe Biden could be convinced to withdraw from the US Presidential race soon. The newspaper cites three unnamed Democratic officials close to Pelosi. The former Speaker of the House is a close confidant of Biden. After his disastrous TV debate performance against Trump, Pelosi reportedly acts as a go-between for the concerned party base and the White House.
00:43 Scholz considers US Presidential election open
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the SPD still sees the outcome of the US Presidential election as open. It's "a little bold and risky" to be sure now how this election will turn out, Scholz said at a press conference at the end of the European summit in Great Britain. As an example, he mentioned the last German federal election, which he won with the SPD on the last meters despite being apparently hopelessly behind the Union in the polls. "As a good Democrat, I want to point out that elections only take place when they have taken place," Scholz added.
23:28 Insiders: Biden considering dropping out
US President Joe Biden is reportedly considering dropping out of the presidential race, according to sources close to the matter. Biden is taking the demands for him to withdraw from the Democrats seriously, these sources say. Several Democratic officials believe an exit is only a matter of time. "I'm sure he's really thinking about it," one insider who wished to remain anonymous said. "He's thinking very seriously about it." Another insider among the Democrats said Biden had recognized the signs of the times. "It feels like it's a matter of (...) when, not if," the insider added. Quentin Fulks, Biden's deputy campaign manager, however, said the president is not undecided and has made his decision: "Joe Biden has said that he is running for the office of President of the United States. Our campaign is moving forward."
23:08 White House announces meeting between Biden and Netanyahu next week
US President Joe Biden is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to Washington next week, according to a statement from the National Security Council spokesperson, John Kirby. "We expect that the two will have an opportunity to meet while Minister Netanyahu is in town," Kirby said. However, he could not yet say "at this point" how such a meeting would look. Netanyahu is scheduled to fly to Washington on Monday to give a speech before the US Congress on Wednesday. Israeli media had reported on a planned meeting with Biden. However, whether such a meeting will take place depends on the progress of Netanyahu's Corona infection, Kirby noted. "We need to ensure that the President's health and recovery are a priority," the spokesperson said.
22:14 Doctor: Biden suffering from mild Corona symptoms
US President Joe Biden is still experiencing mild respiratory symptoms due to his Coronavirus infection, according to his doctor. Biden does not have a fever, Kevin O'Connor reported. The president is being treated with the drug Paxlovid. The White House announced on Wednesday that Biden had tested positive for Coronavirus in Las Vegas. Biden canceled a scheduled appearance in Nevada. He is isolating at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
21:37 Biden's campaign team rules out other candidacy scenariosBiden's campaign team is not considering scenarios where Biden is not the Democratic Party's leading candidate for the White House. "Our campaign is not playing out scenarios where President Biden is not at the top of the candidate list. He is and will be the candidate of the Democrats," said Biden's deputy campaign manager, Quentin Fulks, at a press conference in Milwaukee. Biden himself has repeatedly emphasized that he will remain in the race and will not withdraw his candidacy.
20:53 Weber: "A domino effect is about to begin"The West is planning to station US weapons in Germany, and the Kremlin responds with atomic threats. The constant back-and-forth between reaction and counter-reaction could escalate, according to security expert Joachim Weber. Additionally, Trump could once again become a political ally of Russia - bad news for Europe.
20:07 Report: Trump has insulted 38 percent of US populationAn unofficial list published by the "Washington Post" shows that former President Donald Trump has insulted or attacked 38 percent of the American population in speeches at rallies, on social media, and in interviews in cities and states that make up this percentage. Trump's statements could therefore affect more than 126 million people who are proud of their hometowns. Milwaukee, the host city of the Republican Party convention, is reportedly referred to by Trump as "a terrible city."
19:33 Melania Trump missing in Milwaukee: Where is the ex-First Lady?Melania Trump is not on the speaker list for the final evening of the Republican Party convention. According to trusted sources, there had been much speculation about whether the former First Lady would make an appearance at her husband's party in Milwaukee. The absence of the former First Lady on the speaker list does not necessarily mean that she will not appear on stage with Trump. In the past evenings, Trump has sat alone on the stage in the hall and watched, among other things, the speech of his vice presidential candidate's wife, Usha Vance. The fact that Melania Trump is now not announced, while Usha Vance introduced her husband, could once again fuel rumors about the state of the Trump marriage.
You can read about previous developments here.**
- Despite growing pressure, President Joe Biden has not made a definitive decision to exit the 2024 US Presidency Election, although he is reportedly considering his options due to health concerns.
- During the Republican Party convention, former wrestler Hulk Hogan praised Donald Trump, calling him a "gladiator" and expressing support for his policies.
- In the run-up to the 2024 US Presidency Election, both the Democrats and Republicans are gearing up for a fierce campaign, with former President Donald Trump leading the Republican charge.
- The United States Intelligence Agency is closely monitoring potential threats to both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, particularly in light of the recent assassination attempt against Trump.
- In a move to strengthen US alliances, President Joe Biden has announced plans to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite concerns over Netanyahu's health and the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
- In an attempt to regain support, Democrats are considering Donald Trump's potential withdrawal from the 2024 US Presidency Election and are evaluating Vice President Kamala Harris as a potential replacement candidate.
