18:17 Report: Biden-Family plays retreat scenarios
Family members of US President Joe Biden have discussed how an exit from his campaign could look. According to NBC News, citing two people familiar with the discussions, the conversations were about exit options for Biden. The people quoted by NBC News described two conditions for a potential exit plan that were reportedly the general consensus during the discussions: If Biden were to make this decision, his withdrawal should put the party in the best position to defeat former President Donald Trump. It is also important, according to the NBC News sources, that Biden leave office with dignity. The fact that Biden is even considering withdrawal and discussing potential plans with his family is a new development, NBC News reports.
17:03 Could Kamala Harris beat Trump?
The pressure on US President Joe Biden from within his own party is growing. According to polls, his Vice President Kamala Harris has better chances against Republican and challenger Donald Trump. But does she have what it takes to be the most powerful woman in the world?
16:23 Press Secretary: Biden takes Democratic concerns seriously
US President Joe Biden, according to his team, will return to campaigning in the next week after his isolation due to mild Corona symptoms. His campaign chief, Jen O'Malley Dillon, made the announcement on MSNBC. "He's all in," she says in an interview with the network. The 81-year-old is taking the concerns of some Democrats seriously, but is determined to fight for a second term. In the past few days, pressure on Biden has increased. Many representatives of his Democratic Party have publicly questioned Biden's physical and mental fitness for a candidacy and his chances of winning. Biden has withdrawn to his home in Delaware due to a Corona infection.
15:38 Kamala Harris counters Trump's unity promise
With his speech at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Presidential candidate Donald Trump aims to unite the deeply divided American population. In response, Vice President Kamala Harris writes in a post on X: "If you claim to stand for unity, you must do more than just use the word." Harris writes that he can't just claim to stand for unity of the USA when he pursues an agenda that deprives whole groups of Americans of their fundamental freedoms, opportunities, and dignity.
14:33 Media report: Biden considers exit from the presidential race
According to media reports, ailing US President Joe Biden is now considering an exit from the race for the White House. The "New York Times" cites several sources close to Biden, who indicate that the 81-year-old is beginning to accept that he may not be able to win the election against his rival Donald Trump in November. "Reality is setting in," the "New York Times" quotes from Biden's circle. The source is not surprised if Biden soon supports Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate instead. However, another person close to the President has emphasized that he has not yet made a decision.
13:50 Attentater informed themselves about other school shooters
The Trump attentater was informed via the internet about the arrest of a teenager who had shot and killed four students at a Highschool in Michigan in 2021, and about the charges against his parents. This was reported by CNN, citing FBI and Secret Service officials.
13:17 Hulk Hogan pays tribute to "Gladiator" Trump in bizarre speech
As a professional wrestler, Hulk Hogan was a folk hero in the US during the 80s and 90s. Advertising and film appearances followed. Now, Hulk Hogan effectively enters the presidential campaign. At the Republican Party convention, he pays tribute to Donald Trump in a wrestling-style manner.
12:36 Spahn praises Trump's foreign policy positions
Union Deputy Faction Leader Jens Spahn finds praiseworthy words for Trump's foreign policy positions. Spahn mentioned approximately the stance on containing China and the existence of Israel in a MDR interview. The former Federal Health Minister also commented on Trump's announced peace initiative for Ukraine. He said Europeans should "be part of these talks" and not be content with the role of the audience. Spahn, who was an observer at the Republican Party convention, emphasized to the Redaktionsnetzwerk that Trump "was often right politically." "Our Iran policy was wrong in retrospect, his was right. Our policy on Nord Stream 2 was wrong, he had warned." Trump has been calling "for years" that Europe should do more for its security, said Spahn. "We had kept our eyes closed for too long."
11:52 Communication expert: Trump sounds "unusual tones"
With over 90 minutes, Donald Trump delivers the longest nomination speech to date. This speech, however, is not just "typical campaigning with a ton of fake news," according to communication expert Christian Galvez, but also "unusual tones" for the Republicans:
11:26 Trump's 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 deciding factor. "When you see that people really cling to that 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, or something like that, and they've made this person into an icon, an object of veneration. It doesn't matter if it's a sandal or a band: Trump is being stylized as a savior and he's styling himself that way, and that's why the content, I believe, is totally banal."
10:55 Political scientist on Trump's calculation: "Arithmetic carries enormous risk"
How surprising or expected was Trump's speech at the Republican Party convention? Thomas Jäger takes a look at the potential consequences of his announcements regarding Ukraine and other US allies:
10:19 Trump accuses Biden of causing greater damage than through "ten worst presidents" combined
Trump originally didn't want to mention Biden in his speech, but he deviated from his script again. "The damage he has caused to this country is unimaginable," Trump said about the incumbent president. When the "balance sheet" of the "ten worst presidents" in US history is considered, the damage caused by Biden is not as great as his.
09:51 When Trump deviates from the script, things get interesting with him
In Milwaukee, Trump spoke about the assassination attempt against him; he looked tired but was later celebrated by the delegates and did not always stick to his script - "old tunes come through". NTV reporter Hanna Klouth shares her impressions of the nomination speech of the now official Presidential candidate of the Republicans:
09:15 Trump makes over 20 false claims in his speech
CNN counts over 20 false claims in Trump's party convention speech. Many of these were previously made by the Presidential candidate, some for years. Affected topics include economics, 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, according to the report, it was not in the speech manuscript.
08:45 Trump obfuscates the Taiwan question in his speech
China was mentioned only 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 China attacks it in the event of his re-election. Trump has so far refused to be pinned down on this issue.
08:22 Trump falsely accuses Biden of record inflation
After the inflation rate in the USA reached 9.1% in June 2022, the highest level since 1981, it has since dropped to 3%. Trump's accusation of record inflation against US President Biden in his speech is therefore not correct. The record was actually 23.7% in 1920.
08:01 Trump's first priority is to close the border
In his return to the White House, Trump plans to close the border as one of his first official acts to prevent migrants from entering the USA. "I will end the crisis of illegal immigration by closing our border and completing the wall", Trump confirmed in his speech at the Republican National Convention. "We must stop the invasion of our country."
07:20 Trump exaggerates the fight against IS in Syria
Trump also exaggerated in his statement about the IS in Syria. The "New York Times" explains. Trump claimed that under his leadership, the USA had completely defeated the terrorist organization within two months. However, the US-led coalition against the so-called Islamic State had begun operations in 2014, long before Trump's first term. He continued the strategy of his predecessor Barack Obama, the newspaper clarifies. The last territories of the IS were lost in March 2019, not two months, but two years after Trump took office.
06:51 Trump lies about abandoned military equipment in Afghanistan
Trump's false claim about the USA leaving behind military equipment worth $85 billion in Afghanistan was also repeated in his speech. According to US media, this refers to the total amount that Congress provided for a fund to support Afghan security forces during the war. 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 employed 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. They think we're stupid." Trump spoke for several minutes about immigration. During his speech, he repeated statements from campaign rallies. He claimed that mostly criminals were coming 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 on stage with his family. Melania Trump, his wife, is standing next to the Republican presidential candidate in Milwaukee, having missed important campaign events, such as the TV debate between her husband and President Biden.
05:49 Trump: I save DemocracyDonald Trump calls for political disagreements not to be "demonized." The USA should "not criminalize dissent," he says in his nomination speech at the Republican convention. 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 continues to present himself publicly as a victim of a politically motivated "witch hunt." He still has not acknowledged his loss 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 remembers the victim of the attack on him. Following this, Trump kisses the helmet of the firefighter who was shot at the campaign event in the US state of Pennsylvania. The firefighter's jacket was also on display on stage. "He was incredible," says Trump. The 50-year-old reportedly shielded his wife and daughter from the bullets when the shooter opened fire. He was fatally shot, and two other people were seriously injured.
04:53 Trump tells story of the attackWith a soft and slower voice than usual, Donald Trump tells the story of the attack on him in Milwaukee - "for the first and only time," as he explains. Because it's too painful to tell it again, he says. "I had God on my side. (...) I shouldn't be here tonight." At this point, the audience starts shouting: "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 for President of the whole of America, not for half of America. There is no victory if you win for half of America."
04:08 Carlson: Ukraine-Aid "Middle Finger" to AmericansTucker Carlson, the Putin-friendly talk show host, criticized US aid for the Ukraine attacked by Russia during the Republican Party convention. "You don't see our president using our military to protect our country or the lives of our citizens - no, that's for Ukraine," said the former Fox News moderator in Milwaukee. "That's a middle finger to every American." Carlson is known for spreading false reports and conspiracy theories. Last year, the ardent 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. During the interview, Putin spoke uninterrupted for over two hours about Russia and Ukraine. The Ukraine then sarcastically honored Carlson as their "Kreml employee of the month".
03:35 Trump's Daughter-in-law: Attack changed TrumpLara Trump, Co-Chair of the Republican National Committee, observed a change in her father-in-law. The attack on Saturday reportedly prompted 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 finds Trump's call for unity less credible. "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 high-ranking advisor to Donald Trump, Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race 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 breakdown of our borders," Jason Miller, one of Trump's closest advisors, said on the sidelines of the Republican Party 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 outAccording to a report by the "Washington Post", Nancy Pelosi, a powerful Democrat, also believes that 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 outcome 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 certain now how this election will turn out, Scholz said at a press conference to conclude the European Council meeting in Britain. He cited the recent German federal election as an example, where he and the SPD won on the last meters despite being seemingly hopelessly behind the Union in the polls. As a good democrat, Scholz stressed, "elections only take place when they have taken place."
23:28 Insider: Biden ponders dropping out of race
US President Joe Biden is reportedly considering dropping out of the presidential race according to sources close to him. Biden is taking the calls for him to withdraw as a candidate seriously, these sources say. Several Democratic party insiders believe an exit is only a matter of time. "I'm absolutely sure he's thinking about it," one insider who wished to remain anonymous said. "He's thinking very seriously about it." Another insider within the Democrats said Biden has 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, stated the president is not indecisive 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 next week during Netanyahu's visit to Washington. "We expect that there will be an opportunity for a meeting between the two during Minister Netanyahu's time in the city," John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council of the USA, said. He could not, however, specify "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. Israeli media had reported of a planned meeting with Biden. Whether such a meeting will take place, however, depends on the progress of Netanyahu's Corona infection, Kirby noted. "We need to ensure that the President's health and recovery are prioritized," the spokesperson said.
22:14 Doctor: Biden suffers 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 informed. The president is being treated with the medication Paxlovid. The White House announced on Wednesday that Biden had tested positive for Coronavirus in Las Vegas. Biden has canceled an appearance in the US state of Nevada. He is isolating at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
21:37 Biden campaign team rules out other candidacy scenarios
The campaign team of US President Joe Biden is not considering scenarios where Biden does not run as the Democratic Party's top candidate for the White House. "Our campaign is not running through scenarios where President Biden is not at the head of the candidate list," Quentin Fulks, Biden's deputy campaign manager, said at a press conference in Milwaukee. Biden himself has repeatedly emphasized that he will stay in the race and will not withdraw his candidacy.
20:53 Weber: "A cascade of events is about to begin"
The West intends to station US weapons in Germany, the Kremlin responds with atomic threats. The constant back-and-forth could escalate, according to security expert Joachim Weber. Additionally, Trump could once again become a political ally of Russia - not good news for Europe.
20:07 Report: Trump insulted 38 percent of US population
An unofficial list from the "Washington Post" shows that former President Donald Trump has insulted or attacked nearly 38 percent of the American population in speeches at rallies, social media, and in interviews in cities and states that make up almost 126 million people. Trump's statements could therefore affect more than 126 million people who are proud of their hometowns. Milwaukee, the host city of the Republican Convention, is reportedly referred to by Trump as "a terrible city."
19:33 Report: Where is Melania Trump? Melania Trump missing from Milwaukee: Melania Trump is not on the speaker list for the final evening of the Republican Convention. This was reported by trusted sources. There had been much speculation about whether the former First Lady would make an appearance at her husband's party gathering 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 followed, among other things, the speech of his vice presidential candidate's wife, Usha Vance. Trump's absence of announcing Melania, while Usha Vance supported her husband on stage, could once again fuel rumors about the state of the Trump marriage.
You can read about previous developments here.**
- Despite discussions about exit options, President Joe Biden remains committed to fighting for a second term, taking the concerns of some Democrats seriously.
- Reporters suggest that former President Donald Trump could potentially face challenges if he runs for the US Presidency Election 2024, with Vice President Kamala Harris reportedly having better chances against him in polls.
- Attempts by Trump supporters to emulate school shooters, as reported by CNN, have raised concerns about the influence of politics on sensitive topics and potential attempts to incite violence.
- In the ongoing US Presidential race, Republicans and Democrats continue to criticize their respective opponents, with both sides accused of spreading false claims and exaggerating their achievements.
- The U.S. Intelligence Agency has closely monitored attempts to interfere in the US election process, as concerns about foreign influence and potential cyberattacks on critical infrastructure persist.
- As the race for the US Presidency Election 2024 heats up, attempts by politicians to manipulate public opinion, spread disinformation, and gain an advantage through controversial actions have become a significant part of the political landscape.
