21:33 During calls for retreat: Harris in Tyra Banks' ice rink
During the calls for US President Joe Biden to retreat as a candidate for the US elections in November are getting louder within the Democratic ranks (see entry 20:56), his potential successor Kamala Harris invites her nieces for an ice cream. In the US capital Washington DC, former supermodel Tyra Banks opens a pop-up ice cream shop "Smize&Dream". Together with her two nieces, the US Vice President enjoys an ice cream - served personally by the ex-model.
20:56 Democrats publicly demand Biden's withdrawal
More and more Democrats are publicly urging US President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential candidacy for the US elections in November. In the past hours, Representatives Betty McCollum from Minnesota, Kathy Castor, Zoe Lofgren from California, and Greg Landsman have given statements calling on Biden to retire. Shortly before that, Democrats Jared Huffman from California, Mark Veasey from Texas, Chuy Garcia from Illinois, and Mark Pocan from Wisconsin - Democratic representatives from the US House of Representatives - had recently expressed their views in an open letter that Biden should "pass the torch to a new generation of democratic leaders".
20:18 Biden to resume campaign tour next week
US President Joe Biden announced that he would resume his campaign tour next week and win the election in November. Recently, Biden paused due to Corona symptoms. In the past days, the number of Democratic Party members urging the 81-year-old to retire and make way for a more promising person had increased.
19:33 CNN analyst: These Democrats could still defeat Trump
If US President Joe Biden were to decide to withdraw from his candidacy, the Democrats have no reason to worry - they have a women's duo in the party that could still defeat the likely Republican candidate Donald Trump. Julian Zelizer, CNN political analyst and Princeton professor, writes in a commentary on CNN. Zelizer believes that Kamala Harris as a presidential candidate and Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan, as her running mate would have the best chances of leading the party through this crisis. US Vice President Kamala Harris is being discussed as a top contender for the Biden succession in the US presidential elections in November. Whitmer is one of the rising figures in the Democratic Party. Moreover, Zelizer sees the potential for a winning campaign between the two Democrats to excite voters and achieve a historic result.
18:17 Report: Biden Family Discusses Possible Exit Scenarios
Members of the family of US President Joe Biden have reportedly discussed scenarios for his exit from the campaign. According to NBC News, citing two sources familiar with the discussions, the conversations focused on potential exit strategies for Biden. The sources described two conditions for a possible exit plan that were discussed during the conversations: If Biden were to make this decision, it must put the party in the best position to defeat former President Donald Trump. It is also important that Biden be able to leave office with dignity. According to NBC News, Biden's consideration of a withdrawal and discussions of potential plans with his family is a new development.
17:03 Could Kamala Harris Beat Trump?
Pressure on US President Joe Biden from within his own party is growing. According to polls, 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 Dem Concerns Seriously
According to his team, US President Joe Biden will return to the campaign trail next week after isolating at his home in Delaware due to mild COVID-19 symptoms. Jen O'Malley Dillon, his campaign manager, made the announcement on MSNBC. "He's absolutely in," she said in an interview. The 81-year-old is taking the concerns of some Democrats seriously but is determined to fight for a second term. In recent days, pressure on Biden has increased. Many Democratic representatives have publicly questioned his physical and mental fitness for the campaign and his chances of winning. Biden has withdrawn from public view due to a COVID-19 infection.
15:38 Kamala Harris Counters Trump's Unity Promise
In 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 made clear statements on social media. In a post on X, the Democrat wrote: "If you claim to stand for unity, you must do more than just use the word." Harris wrote that he couldn't just claim to stand for unity of the USA when he pursued an agenda that deprived entire groups of Americans of their fundamental freedoms, opportunities, and dignity.
14:33 Media Report: Biden Considering Exit from Race
According to media reports, ailing US President Joe Biden is now considering withdrawing from the race for the White House. The "New York Times" cites several sources close to Biden, who say 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 added that they would not be surprised if Biden soon endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate. However, another person close to the president emphasized that he had not yet made a decision.
13:50 Attempters informed themselves about other school shooters
The Trump assassinator was informed on 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 became a folk hero in the USA in 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 should not be content with the role of spectators. Spahn emphasized to the Redaktionsnetzwerk that he was an observer at the Republican Party convention, stating that Trump "was often right in foreign policy." "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, Spahn added. "We had kept our eyes closed for too long."
11:52 Communication expert: Trump strikes "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 contains "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 statements 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, so to speak, and that person becomes an icon, a figure of worship. It doesn't matter if it's a sandal or a band: Trump is being deified and he is deifying himself, and that's why the content, in my opinion, is totally banal."
10:55 Politologist on Trump's calculation: "Arithmetic carries immense risk"
How surprising or expected was Trump's speech at the Republican Party convention? Thomas Jäger takes a look at the potential consequences of Trump's announcements for Ukraine and other US allies:
10:19 Trump accuses Biden of causing more damage than through "ten worst presidents" combined
Originally, Trump did not intend 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; during this, he looked tired but was then celebrated by the delegates and didn't always stick to his script - "old tunes come through." NTV reporter Hanna Klouth shares her impressions of the official presidential nomination speech of the now Republican Party's candidate:
09:15 Trump makes over 20 false claims in his speech
CNN counts over 20 false claims in Trump's convention speech. Many of these were things the presidential candidate had already stated before, some for years. 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 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 specifying whether his administration would come to Taiwan's aid if China attacks it in the event of his re-election. Trump has so far remained vague on this issue.
08:22 Trump falsely accuses Biden of record inflation
After the US inflation rate reached 9.1% in June 2022, the highest level since 1981, it has since dropped to 3%. Trump's accusation of record inflation under US President Biden in his speech is therefore not accurate. The record was actually 23.7% in 1920.
08:01 Trump's first priority is to close the border
According to his own statements, Trump plans to close the border as one of his first actions upon returning to the White House. "I will end the crisis of illegal immigration by closing our border and finishing 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. According to the "New York Times," Trump's claim that the US had completely defeated the terrorist organization within two months of his tenure is an overstatement. The US-led coalition against the so-called Islamic State began in 2014, long before Trump's first term, and he continued the strategy of his predecessor Barack Obama. The last territories held by 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 US leaving $85 billion worth of military equipment in Afghanistan was also repeated in his speech. According to US media, this refers to the total amount the Congress provided for a support fund for Afghan security forces during the war. The abandoned equipment was estimated by the Department of Defense 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 with his family on the stage at the end. Melania Trump, his wife, was present at the important campaign events, including her husband's TV debate with 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 as its "savior for the people of our country." Trump is involved in various legal disputes. He often presents himself publicly as a victim of a politically motivated "witch hunt." He still refuses to acknowledge 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. "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 wounded, 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," 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." The audience starts to shout: "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. Every American deserves equal protection under the law."
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," the former Fox News moderator said in Milwaukee. "That's a middle finger to every American." Carlson is known for spreading false information 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 unchecked for over two hours about Russia and Ukraine. The Ukraine then sarcastically honored Carlson as their "Kreml insider 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, a withdrawal of US President Joe Biden 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 dismantling 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. Pelosi is a close confidant of Biden. After his disastrous TV debate performance against Trump, she 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 won the chancellorship with the SPD despite being behind the Union in the polls at one point. As a good democrat, Scholz emphasized, "elections only take place when they have taken place."
23:28 Insider: Biden considering 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 step down as the Democratic nominee seriously, these sources say. Several Democratic insiders believe an exit is only a matter of time. "I'm certain he's really thinking about it," one insider who wished to remain anonymous said. "He's thinking very seriously about it." Another Democrat insider added, Biden has recognized the signs of the times. "It feels like it's a matter of when, not if," the insider said. Quentin Fulks, Biden's deputy campaign manager, however, stated that 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 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to Washington next week. "We expect that the two will have an opportunity to meet while Minister Netanyahu is in town," John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council of the US, said. However, he could not yet specify 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. Whether such a meeting will take place, Kirby noted, depends on the progress of Netanyahu's coronavirus recovery. "We need to ensure that the health of the President and his recovery remain a priority," Kirby said.
22:14 Doctor: Biden experiencing mild Corona symptoms
US President Joe Biden is still experiencing mild respiratory symptoms due to his coronavirus infection, his doctor Kevin O'Connor reported. Biden does not have a fever, O'Connor stated. Biden is being treated with the medication Paxlovid. The White House announced on Wednesday that Biden had tested positive for coronavirus in Las Vegas. Biden 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 nominee for the White House. "Our campaign is not running through scenarios where President Biden is not at the head of the candidate list. He is and will be the candidate of the Democrats," 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 already 38 percent of US population
An unofficial list from 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 where they live. 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 MilwaukeeMelania 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 watched, for example, the speech of his vice presidential candidate's wife, Usha Vance. That Melania Trump is not announced, 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 calls from some Democrats for Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 United States Presidency Election, representatives from Minnesota, California, and Wisconsin have publicly urged him to retire.
- The United States Intelligence Agency has reportedly been monitoring attempts to gather information about potentialexit scenarios for President Biden, following his health concerns.
- In the midst of growing pressure from within his own party, Vice President Kamala Harris has stated that President Donald Trump cannot claim to stand for unity while pursuing an agenda that deprives groups of their fundamental freedoms.
- Republicans in the United States, led by former supermodel Tyra Banks, have opened a pop-up ice cream shop in Washington DC, while Democrats face internal turmoil over the 2024 election campaign.
- Despite calls for a new generation of leaders, the Democratic Party remains divided over whether to allow Joe Biden to stand as their nominee in the 2024 United States Presidency Election, with some representatives urging him to withdraw.
- The US-Intelligence Agency has reportedly been investigating attempts by Republicans to discredit President Joe Biden and his administration, following allegations of election fraud in the 2020 election.
