23:28 Insider: Biden considers withdrawal from candidacy
US President Joe Biden ponders exit from presidential race
US President Joe Biden is reportedly considering dropping out of the presidential race based on demands from within the Democratic Party. Sources close to the matter say that Biden is taking the calls for him to step down seriously. Multiple Democratic officials believe that an exit is only a matter of time. "I know for a fact that he's thinking about it," says one insider who wishes to remain anonymous. "He's thinking very seriously about it." Another insider within the Democrats says Biden has recognized the signs of the times. "It feels like it's just a matter of (...) when, not if," so the insider. Quentin Fulks, Biden's deputy campaign manager, however, stated that the President is firm in his decision: "Joe Biden has said that he is running for the office of President of the United States. Our campaign is moving forward."
9:08 PM 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. "We anticipate that they will have an opportunity to meet while Prime Minister Netanyahu is in town," says John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council of the USA. However, he cannot yet "at this point" say how such a meeting would look. Netanyahu is flying to Washington on Monday to give a speech before the US Congress. Israeli media had reported on a planned meeting with Biden. Whether such a meeting will take place, however, depends on the progress of Biden's Corona infection, Kirby notes. "We need to ensure that the President's health and recovery are our priority," says the spokesperson.
9:14 PM Doctor: Biden suffers from mild Corona symptoms
US President Joe Biden, according to his doctor, still has mild respiratory symptoms due to his Coronavirus infection. Biden has no fever, Kevin O'Connor reports. The President is being treated with the drug Paxlovid. The White House had announced on Wednesday that Biden had tested positive for Coronavirus during a trip to Las Vegas. Biden has canceled an appearance in the US state of Nevada. He is isolating at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
9:37 PM Biden's campaign team rules out other candidacy scenarios
Biden's campaign team is not considering scenarios in which Biden is not the leading Democratic candidate for the White House. "Our campaign is not playing out any scenarios in which President Biden is not at the top of the candidate list," says Quentin Fulks, Biden's deputy campaign manager, at a press conference in Milwaukee. Biden himself has repeatedly emphasized that he will stay in the race and will not withdraw his candidacy.
8:53 PM Weber: "A cascade could get started"
The West is considering stationing US weapons in Germany, and the Kremlin responds with atomic threats. The constant back-and-forth could escalate, according to security expert Joachim Weber. Additionally, Trump could become a political ally of Russia again - bad news for Europe.
20:07 Report: Trump insulted or attacked 38 percent of the US population
An unofficial list provided by the "Washington Post" shows that former President Donald Trump has insulted or attacked people in cities and states that make up nearly 38 percent of the American population in speeches at rallies, social media, and in interviews. 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 Where is Melania Trump? Melania Trump missing from Milwaukee: Why?Melania Trump is not on the speaker list for the final evening of the Republican Convention. According to sources familiar with the program, there were many rumors about whether the former First Lady would make an appearance at the gathering of her husband's party in Milwaukee. The absence of the former First Lady on the speaker list does not necessarily mean she won't appear on stage with Trump. In previous evenings, Trump sat alone on the stage in the hall and watched, among other things, the speech of his vice presidential candidate's wife, J.D. Vance. Melania Trump's absence, while Usha Vance supported her husband on stage, could fuel rumors about the state of the Trump marriage.
18:48 Report: Obama questions Biden's chances of winning the electionFormer President Barack Obama reportedly expressed doubts about President Joe Biden's chances of winning the November election to his confidants. According to the "Washington Post," Obama, who still wields significant influence in the Democratic Party, has questioned Biden's chances of victory. Obama is said to see himself as an important advisor to Biden but wants to leave the decision to withdraw to him alone. Biden and Obama are reported to have met only once since the TV debate. Both Biden critics and Democrats from his own ranks have called for his resignation in recent days. Several leading Democrats (see entries 06:53 and 01:17) publicly urged Biden to step down.
18:14 Insider: Pelosi reportedly supports Biden's withdrawalPowerful Democrat Nancy Pelosi is reportedly backing calls for President Joe Biden to withdraw from the race according to a US government insider. Pelosi, the former Speaker of the House, endorses the appeals of Representative Adam Schiff, a source close to the matter told Reuters. Pelosi is convinced that public opinion is turning against Biden and that he cannot change it. Pelosi's office did not respond to inquiries.
17:34 Video: Aggressive Senators confront Secret Service ChiefThe mood at the Republican Convention is heated, especially after the attack on Donald Trump. Many are accusing the Secret Service of negligence. Several Republican Senators are taking their anger directly to the head of the Security Service. An altercation occurs on the sidelines of the event.
17:20 FBI Report: Trump Assailant Had Royals in Sights
According to "The Mirror", the FBI discovered that the shield for the attack on Donald Trump also had a member of the royal family in his sights.
The Mirror reports that the 20-year-old Thomas Crooks was planning another attack. At the campaign event on Saturday, Crooks was shot by the Secret Service after he opened fire on Donald Trump. According to "The Mirror", FBI investigators have informed the US Congress that Crooks had been "spying" on an unnamed member of the royal family online. The report states that Crooks also had other "high-value" targets, including the Director of the FBI and the Attorney General of the USA in his sights. The FBI also discovered a post from Crooks on the gaming platform "Steam": "The 13th will be my debut, watch how it unfolds", Crooks reportedly wrote.
16:47 Democrat: Biden's withdrawal would be "in the best interest of the country"
According to Democrat John Hickenlooper, more and more arguments are emerging for Joe Biden to withdraw from the current campaign. "It's his decision, but there are certainly more and more signs that this would be in the best interest of the country," Hickenlooper, Senator from the state of Colorado, told in a phone interview. He did not join the growing number of party colleagues who explicitly demand that Biden withdraw. "If there is so much unrest and so much dissatisfaction, it's not easy to bring the party together," he said. Biden is still popular, but the political landscape has changed significantly compared to the previous election.
16:07 Absurd Cult: Trump fans wear ear bands
The cult of personality around Donald Trump continues to produce new, bizarre to absurd blooms. At the Republican Party convention, several of his fans are now running around with a thick bandage on their ear - as a tribute to the former president, who was hit in the ear during the assassination attempt on him.
15:38 Democrat advises Harris to "nail down" Vance in TV debate
US politician Tim Ryan, who lost the US Senate race against JD Vance in 2022, gives Kamala Harris some advice in an interview with CNN. "Vance will try to deny things he has said," Ryan told CNN. "You need to nail him down." The US Democrat Ryan says Harris' extensive experience as a prosecutor will help. Harris is uniquely qualified to "nail down" Vance and expose the lies he tells. According to CNN, the vice presidential debate could take place on July 23, or on July 12 or 13 in the US broadcaster CBS News.
14:46 Video shows shooter an hour before Trump attack
Minutes before the attack on Donald Trump, security guards reportedly ignored warnings about the shooter. New video recordings now show: Thomas Crooks was apparently already at the scene of the crime an hour before the attack.
13:58 Granddaughter gushes about "normal grandfather" Trump
According to Donald Trump Jr., this is Kai's first public appearance. The speech that the 17-year-old gives at the RNC should have pleased Trump above all: the US presidential candidate is described by her as a normal grandfather. At the same time, she is also full of praise for his political ambitions.
13:24 Spahn sees common interests with Trump
CDU politician Jens Spahn calls for focusing on common interests when dealing with Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump. According to Spahn, speaking to RBB, there are many topics "where we have commonalities," such as Trump's criticism of Germany's long-term energy dependence on Russia. Spahn, who is currently observing the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee, considers Trump's call for a higher defense budget in Germany justified. "The current budget planning of the coalition does not cover this, and this will be noticed in the US," Spahn emphasizes. At the same time, he makes it clear: "I am also often irritated by the wording, the unfiltered nature, and the entire way Donald Trump handles things, such as the storming of the Capitol."
12:44 Biden may only have "days" left to resign
Trump's vice presidential candidate gave a speech at the Republican National Convention with nationalistic undertones and surprising addressees, as political scientist Thomas Jaeger explains. For Biden, however, there is not much time left to make what could be the most crucial decision of the campaign.
12:11 Local police warned Secret Service they couldn't secure the building
Apparently, the local police warned the Secret Service about the rally of former President Donald Trump that a building could not be secured, from whose roof Trump was later shot at. According to the "Washington Post," the police stated that they could not station a patrol car in front of the house. The newspaper referred to statements from the district attorney. A spokesperson for the Secret Service, Anthony Guglielmi, confirmed to the "Washington Post" the account. Guglielmi said that the proposal to station a patrol car and an officer outside the Agr International Building Complex on Saturday was part of the Secret Service's advance planning for securing the prominent building. This building has a large roof with an unobstructed view of the less than 150-meter distant rally stage.
11:39 Germany cannot appease Trump
There is hope that Trump will be more friendly towards Europe once NATO member states increase their defense spending. US expert Sandra Navidi is certain that Trump's criticism has other motives and would not be eliminated even with a defense budget of five percent.
11:06 Secret Service failure: Trump's protective detail considered shooter an hour before the attack as suspicious
New insights from the investigation into the attack on former US President Donald Trump increase the pressure on the security forces. An hour before the shooter fired at Trump, local security personnel marked him as suspicious - a "young man who behaved strangely," as the "New York Times" reports. The Secret Service, which protects the ex-president, was also informed. However, the trail of the suspect was then lost. At least two security personnel were called in to help in the search. Roughly 20 minutes before the shots were fired, a sharpshooter discovered the attacker on a roof, it is further reported. Why the rally continued and Trump went on stage is one of many open questions for the Secret Service, according to the "New York Times."
10:33 Trump's Vice Holds Unusual Soft Speech
At the Republican Party convention, the Republicans are "primarily engaged in celebrating themselves," explains NTV correspondent Hanna Klouth. Of course, there are also attacks. Besides Joe Biden, these are increasingly targeting Kamala Harris. Is this a deliberate strategy change? This is indicated by another detail.
10:05 Hundreds Mourn for Slain Firefighter
Hundreds of people gather for a funeral for the man shot during an attempted attack on Donald Trump at a campaign rally. "Tonight it's about unity," says Kelly McCollough, who organized the vigil for Corey Comperatore. "We need clarity in this chaos. We need strength. We need healing." Political division and hate have no place in remembering the family man and chief of the volunteer fire department. Comperatore was fatally shot when a supporter at a Pennsylvania rally on Saturday opened fire and hit Trump in the ear. The 50-year-old Comperatore shielded his wife and children from the shot and lost his own life in the process.
09:37 "New York Times": Biden "more open" to not running again
President Joe Biden has reportedly become more open to arguments in recent days about why he should not run for re-election. According to the "New York Times," citing Democrats familiar with the conversations. However, Biden has given no indication that he will change his mind about staying in the race, say the Democrats. He is willing to listen to new and alarming polling data and has asked questions about how Kamala Harris could win. This suggests that Biden at least privately holds a more receptive stance than a week ago.
09:08 Security expert: Handling of possible Trump win "reckless"
"We could have prevented the worst," says security expert Frank Umbach about the first term of Donald Trump. If the Republican presidential candidate is re-elected, Europe can expect a different scenario. Germany is not adequately prepared.
08:32 Former CIA chief Panetta calls security lapses "alarming"
Former CIA Director Leon Panetta expresses concerns about security lapses in connection with the attempted attack on Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, especially in light of reports of Iranian threats against the former president. According to the British "Guardian," he says in a podcast: "It's particularly alarming what we've found out: that the intelligence services have given information to the Secret Service about ... assassination threats from Iran against both the former president Trump as well as others, but they are said to have then allegedly increased the protection of the Secret Service. And he adds: "And if that's true and they were not able to establish a perimeter, then the excuse that this is somehow outside the event area is ridiculous."
07:55 Scholz: "We see that uncertainty is growing in America"
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warns, looking at the presidential campaign in the USA, of risky developments. "We see that uncertainty about the future is growing - just as in many prosperous societies in the North," he says to T-Online. Uncertainty about the future leads to tensions in societies. Developments in the USA would also have consequences for Germany. "The USA is the world power number one and our most important partner - everything that happens there is important for us," so Scholz. With regard to a possible victory of the Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, Scholz says: "Government transitions are part of democracy. We are preparing ourselves, of course, for all possibilities, but we are not speaking publicly about the how."
07:25 Trump's Son: My Father has a "Lion's Heart"
The son of the Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump praises his father's courage after the weekend attack. "What was my father's instinct when his life was at stake? Not to cower, not to give up," Don Trump Jr. said at the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee. His father showed the whole world that the next American president would have a "Lion's Heart." During Trump's son's speech in Milwaukee, a photo was shown on the screens that showed the 78-year-old with a bloodied face and an outstretched fist in front of a US flag.
06:53 Pelosi increases pressure on Biden
Now also she: According to a CNN report, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi informed President Joe Biden that, according to polls, he could not win against Donald Trump. Biden could destroy the chances of the Democrats to regain control of the House of Representatives. The cable news channel CNN reported this based on four sources who were informed about the phone call. None of the sources told CNN that Pelosi had asked Biden to withdraw his candidacy. Pelosi still has significant influence among the Democrats.
06:31 Vance pays homage to Trump: "A beloved father and grandfather"
The vice presidential candidate, J.D. Vance, presents Donald Trump at the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee as a man of political moderation. "In a moment, he can stand defiantly against an assassin and call for national healing. He is a beloved father and grandfather," the 39-year-old senator says in his first major speech since his nomination as vice president. "Consider what they said. They said he was a tyrant. They said he had to be stopped at all costs," Vance continues - without specifying who they are. But how did former President Trump react to the attack, Vance wondered. "He called for national unity, for national peace, literally, after an assassin had almost taken his life." Vance himself had accused President Joe Biden of being responsible for the attack on Trump. Vance takes the nomination officially in Milwaukee.
05:57 Trump's Granddaughter Speaks for the First Time on a Stage - "She's the First Time on a Stage" - Trump's Granddaughter speaks at the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee, introduced by Donald Trump's son Don Jr. as his oldest daughter. "She's the First Time on a Stage", Don Jr. announces. "Kai Madison Trump!" Ex-President Trump, who will speak at the convention on Friday night but is present in the arena every day, smiles at the 17-year-old from the podium. "He encourages me to keep going", said Kai Trump. "Of course he sets the bar high - but who knows, maybe I'll catch up to him one day." She also spoke about the weekend's attack. "I just wanted to know if he's okay", she said. Her grandfather had to "go through hell" because of all the people, "but he's still standing. Grandpa: You're an inspiration and I love you."
05:25 Trump's Vice Presidential Candidate Vance Focuses on Working Class
The designated Vice Presidential candidate of Donald Trump, J.D. Vance, will present himself at the Republican National Convention as the son of an industrial city in Ohio and a fighter for the working class. This is evident from an excerpt of his speech that was previously released. The 39-year-old will reportedly emphasize his upbringing from humble backgrounds and sharply criticize the trade and economic policy of the Democrats under President Joe Biden. "Professional politicians" like Biden are responsible for a trade policy that has harmed families like his. "President Trump's vision is simple - we will not serve Wall Street, but commit to workers." "We will not import foreign labor, but fight for American citizens." Vance, who has gone from the child of a single mother to a Yale graduate and successful risk capital investor, will directly address the working and middle class in the swing states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan - three "swing states" in the Rust Belt that could decide the election on November 5th.
05:00 Trump Ally Navarro: "I am Your Alarm Clock"
The former economic advisor to ex-US President Donald Trump, Peter Navarro, will be greeted with frenzied enthusiasm at the Republican National Convention on the day of his release from prison. Navarro had served a four-month prison sentence in March for contempt of Congress for refusing to release documents and testify before a House investigative committee about the Capitol storm. "If they get Trump, be careful. They'll come for you next", Navarro said in his speech, among other things, against US President Joe Biden. Biden's administration is responsible for his and Trump's legal problems, Navarro claimed. "If we don't control our government, they will control us." The Democrats had even targeted children, wanting to indoctrinate them with their "toxic ideas", Navarro added. "I went to jail so you wouldn't have to", the 75-year-old said. "I am your alarm clock."**
04:14 Trump Supporters Bandage Their Ears
The bandage on Donald Trump's ear inspires a few supporters at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee: Some Republicans attach a safety pin as a sign of solidarity to their ears. However, it cannot be called a mass phenomenon.
03:31 Transatlantic Coordinator: It's also about US interests in the Ukraine conflict
The Transatlantic Coordinator of the German government, Michael Link, recommends Europeans to handle constructively with a new Republican administration if Donald Trump wins the presidency. Europeans should clearly make it clear that the Ukraine conflict is also about US interests: "For some, it's economically, for some militarily, for some in both aspects," says the FDP politician. In conversations, he hears in the US constantly that the greatest challenge is China, "for some economically, for some militarily, for some in both ways." This point should be emphasized particularly on the Republican side.
02:40 Vance on Attack: Had Fear "we had just lost a great President"
Just before his speech at the Republican convention, US Vice Presidential candidate J.D. Vance engaged in media manipulation and called Trump a President: "The contrast between the lies the media spread about President Trump and the man we all truly know, we saw clearly on Saturday," says Vance. He had great fear, "we had just lost a great President," when shots rang out at a campaign event on Saturday, and Trump took cover for safety. "And then he stands up a minute later, after they shot at him - they literally shot at him - and he lifts his fist in the air and says: 'Fight! Fight! Fight!'", so Vance.
01:51 Ex-Ambassador Grenell advocates "America First" in foreign policy
The former US Ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell, pleads at the Republican convention for a foreign policy that puts American interests first. "We have interfered in the affairs of other countries and signed treaties that only benefited other nations. We have ignored the priorities of America for too many years," says he in Milwaukee. "This happened when Washington stopped being the capital of the United States and started being the capital of the world." Grenell is being considered as a candidate for the position of US Secretary of State if Trump wins the election.
01:17 Democratic Party Leader Schumer advises Biden against re-election
The Democratic Majority Leader in the US Senate, Chuck Schumer, advised President Joe Biden according to media reports to end his re-election campaign during a meeting on Saturday. Schumer told the 81-year-old that his withdrawal would be better for the country and the Democratic Party, reports US broadcaster ABC News. No official confirmation of this information is available.
00:24 Biden tests positive for Corona
US President Joe Biden has tested positive for the Coronavirus. The 81-year-old feels "good," explains the White House. Biden himself says, "I feel fine." Biden will go to his private home in the state of Delaware, isolate himself there, and during this time carry out all his duties in full, informs his spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre. The 81-year-old has been vaccinated.
23:07 The Kremlin welcomes Ukraine stance of Vance
In the Kremlin, the positions of the Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance regarding Ukraine are met with a positive response. Vance advocates for peace, for the cessation of aid, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated at a press conference in the UN Security Council. "We can only welcome this, as it is indeed necessary to stop the supply of weapons to Ukraine, and the war will end." Furthermore, Lavrov expressed that Russia is ready to "work with any American president chosen by the American people," as long as he is "willing to engage in equal, respectful dialogue."
21:58 Report: Biden berates Democrats in age debate
During a telephone conference with House Democrats on Saturday, US President Joe Biden reportedly berated Representative Jason Crow. According to CNN, Crow, a Democrat from Colorado, candidly informed Biden that voters had concerns about his strength and vitality. Two sources familiar with the conversation reported that the heated discussion about his age, demeanor, and Biden's reticence in NATO led the US President to swear at Crow with the words: "Let that shit go." Eventually, Crow, according to CNN, retracted his criticism and apologized to the irate Biden.
21:17 New York Governor warns against Trump and Vance agenda
New York Governor Kathy Hochul expresses her opinion on J.D. Vance's potential nomination as the Republican vice presidential candidate for the 2024 US presidential elections. The 65-year-old Democrat writes: "Trump's vice president J.D. Vance advocates for a nationwide abortion ban without exceptions." The US politician has been New York's Governor since August 24, 2021. She is the first woman to hold this position. "The agenda of Trump and Vance poses an unprecedented threat to women's rights in this country. Period," Hochul continues.
20:45 Trump assassination attempt triggers wave of conspiracy theories
Shortly after the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, social media platforms like TikTok were inundated with conspiracy theories - the attack was allegedly staged, for instance. ntv fact-checking expert Burak Kahraman explains how to identify false reports.
20:17 Navidi: The reasons why more affluent individuals are backing Trump
The implementation of the demands from the conservative manifesto "Project 2025" would have far-reaching consequences for the US economy, according to Sandra Navidi. In an ntv interview, the financial expert explains the potential consequences of higher taxes for the US economy and why wealthy individuals from Silicon Valley are now supporting Trump with donations.
- Despite the White House's denial, speculation about Joe Biden's potential withdrawal from the 2024 US Presidential Election continues to grow among Democrats, with figures like Nancy Pelosi reportedly supporting such a move.
- The 2024 US Presidential Election landscape could see a significant shift if Joe Biden decides to step down, potentially opening up the race for the Democratic nomination to other candidates.
- Wisconsin, a crucial swing state in the last few US Presidential Elections, could become a battleground again as candidates align their campaigns with its voters' preferences.
- Republican strategists are already considering how a potential Biden withdrawal would affect their party's chances in 2024, with various candidates positioning themselves for a possible run.
- If Biden were to withdraw, US Intelligence agencies might increase their efforts to monitor potential attempts to interfere with the 2024 US Presidential Election, following past allegations of interference in 2016 and 2020.
- The exit of Joe Biden from the 2024 US Presidential Race could heighten political tensions, with Democrats and Republicans each maneuvering to gain the upper hand in this new political landscape.
