At 20:56, Democrats openly demand Biden's withdrawal
More and more Democrats are urging US President Joe Biden to withdraw from his presidential candidacy for the US elections. In the past few hours, Representatives Betty McCollum from Minnesota, Kathy Castor, Zoe Lofgren from California, and Greg Landsman have given statements calling on Biden to retire. Just 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 support in an open letter for Biden to "pass the torch to a new generation of democratic leaders."
20:18 Biden to be back on campaign trail next week
US President Joe Biden announced that he would be back on the campaign trail next week and would win the election in November. Recently, Biden had paused due to Corona symptoms. In the past few days, the number of Democratic Party members calling on the 81-year-old to retire and make way for a more promising person had increased.
19:33 CNN Analyst: These Democrats could beat 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 beat the likely Republican candidate Donald Trump, according to Julian Zelizer, CNN political analyst and Princeton Professor, in a commentary on CNN. Zelizer believes that Kamala Harris as the presidential candidate and Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan's governor, as her vice presidential candidate 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. Furthermore, Zelizer sees the potential for a campaign by these two Democrats to win over voters and achieve a historic result.
18:17 Report: Biden family discussing withdrawal scenarios
Members of the Biden family have discussed how a withdrawal from his campaign could look. NBC News reports this based on two sources familiar with the discussions. The discussions reportedly focused on withdrawal options for Biden. The sources quoted by NBC News describe two conditions for a potential withdrawal plan that were "the general tenor" of the discussions: If Biden were to make this decision, it should put the party in the best position to defeat former President Donald Trump. It is also important that Biden leaves the office with dignity. The fact that Biden is even considering withdrawal and discussing potential plans with his family is a new development, NBC News writes.
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 the Republican and challenger Donald Trump. But does she have what it takes to be the most powerful woman in the world?
16:23 Team Speaker: Biden takes Democrats' concerns seriously
US President Joe Biden, according to his team, will return to campaigning in the next week after completing his isolation due to mild Corona symptoms. Jen O'Malley Dillon, the head of his campaign team, made the announcement in an interview with MSNBC. "He's absolutely in it," she says. The 81-year-old is taking the concerns of some Democrats seriously but remains determined to fight for a second term. In recent 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
In his speech at the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee, presidential candidate Donald Trump aims to unite the deeply divided American population. In response, Vice President Kamala Harris wrote clearly on social media: "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 the unity of the USA when he followed an agenda that deprived whole groups of Americans of their fundamental freedoms, opportunities, and dignity.
14:33 Media report: Biden considers dropping out of the race
According to media reports, Joe Biden, who has been under pressure for weeks, is now considering withdrawing from the race for the White House. The "New York Times" cites several sources from Biden's entourage, 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 entourage. The source is not surprised if Biden soon supports Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate. Another person close to the president emphasized, however, that Biden had not yet made a decision.
13:50 Attacker informed himself about other school shooters
The Trump attacker 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 sources.
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 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 stances
Union Vice-Fraction Leader Jens Spahn expresses approving words for Trump's foreign policy positions. Spahn mentioned on MDR approximately his stance on containing China and Israel's existence. The former Health Minister also touched upon Trump's announced peace initiative for Ukraine. He said Europeans should "be part of these talks" and should not settle for the role of spectators. Spahn emphasized to the Redaktionsnetzwerk that as an observer at the Republican Party convention, he believed 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 us." Trump has been urging "for many years," that Europe should do more for its security, said Spahn. "We had kept our eyes closed for too long."
11:52 Communications expert: Trump strikes "unusual tones"
With over 90 minutes, Donald Trump delivers the longest nomination speech yet. However, it's not just the "typical campaign with a ton of fake news," according to communications expert Christian Galvez, but also "unusual tones" for the Republicans:
11:26 Trump's performance recalls "Life of Brian" for security experts
According to security expert Christian Mölling, the content of the statements at the US Republican Party convention is not the most significant aspect. "When you see that people are really clinging to that band. [...] That's like in Life of Brian," he says in the "Stern" podcast "Die Lage." "There's a scene at the end where everyone is chasing after a sandal, or something like that, which has become almost revered, or idolized. 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 contents, I believe, are utterly banal."
10:55 Politologist on Trump's calculations: "Arithmetic carries immense risk"
How surprising or expected was Trump's speech at the Republican Party convention? Politologist Thomas Jäger takes a look at the potential consequences of his announcements for Ukraine and other US allies. Additionally, he assesses whether Biden will still be the Democratic Party's presidential candidate next week:
10:19 Trump accuses Biden of causing greater damage than "ten worst presidents" combined
Trump initially didn't intend to mention Biden in his speech, but he deviated from his script once again. "The damage he has caused to this country is unimaginable," Trump said about the incumbent president. When the "damage" caused by 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 strays from the script, chaos ensues
In Milwaukee, Trump recounted the assassination attempt against him; he appeared tired, was then celebrated by delegates, and didn't always stick to the script - "old tunes resurface." NTV reporter Hanna Klouth shares her impressions of Trump's official presidential nomination speech at the Republican Party convention.
09:15 Trump makes over 20 false claims in speechCNN counts over 20 false claims in Trump's campaign speech. Many of them were previously made by the presidential candidate, some for years. The topics include 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, according to the report, it was not in the speech manuscript.
08:45 Trump obfuscates Taiwan issue in speechChina was mentioned only once in Trump's speech in a national security context. He said, "The country surrounds Taiwan" - without specifying whether his administration would come to Taiwan's aid if China attacks it, should he be re-elected. Trump has not yet pinned down his position on this issue.
08:22 Trump falsely accuses Biden of record inflationAfter 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 accurate. The record was 23.7% in 1920.
08:01 Trump's first act: close the borderIn 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 US, according to his own statements. "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 victory against IS in SyriaTrump 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. 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 AfghanistanTrump's false claim about the US leaving behind military equipment worth $85 billion in Afghanistan was also repeated in his speech. According to US media, this figure 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 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 everywhere," the 78-year-old said. "We have become a dumping ground for the rest of the world - and they laugh at us." Trump spoke extensively about immigration. He repeated statements from campaign rallies. He claims, for example, that almost only criminals come across the southern border and that people come from "mental institutions".
06:18 Trump speaks for 95 minutes
Donald Trump's nomination speech ends after a total of 95 minutes. The 78-year-old presents himself on stage with his family. Melania Trump is also present at the Republican Party's nomination event in Milwaukee, after having been absent from important campaign events such as her husband's TV debate with President Biden.
05:49 Trump: I save democracy
Donald Trump urges people not to "demonize" political differences. The USA should not "criminalize dissent," he says in his nomination speech at the Republican National Convention. The 78-year-old does not see himself as a threat to democracy, but rather as a "savior of democracy for the people of our country." Trump is involved in various legal disputes. He frequently portrays himself in public 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 helmet
At his nomination speech in Milwaukee, Donald Trump pays tribute to the man killed in 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 man's jacket was also visible on stage. "He was incredible," Trump says. The 50-year-old reportedly shielded his wife and daughter from the bullets when the shooter opened fire. He was fatally wounded, while two others were seriously injured.
04:53 Trump tells story of the attack
With a soft and slower voice than usual, Donald Trump recounts the story of the attack on him in Milwaukee - "for the first and only time," he explains. "It's too painful to tell it again," Trump says. "I should not be here tonight." At this, the audience begins to shout: "But, you should be here!"
04:46 Trump begins nomination speech in conciliatory tone
Donald 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 just for half of America. There is no victory if you only win half of America."
04:08 Carlson: Aided Ukraine "middle finger" to Americans
Tucker Carlson, the Putin-friendly talk show host, criticized US aid to Ukraine at the Republican National 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," Carlson said in Milwaukee. "That's a middle finger to every American." Carlson is known for spreading false information and conspiracy theories. He was fired from Fox News, the conservative US broadcaster, last year. 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 Ukrainian government subsequently awarded Carlson the title of "Kremlin insider of the month" in a sarcastic manner.
03:35 Lara Trump: The attack changed TrumpThe co-chair of the Republican National Committee, Lara Trump, has observed a change of heart in her father-in-law. The attack on Saturday reportedly caused Presidential candidate Trump to rework his upcoming speech and emphasize unity, according to Eric Trump's wife: "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 to hear what you say," Harris said at a campaign event.
02:27 Trump Advisor: Biden's withdrawal would have little impact on Trump's campaignAn exit of US President Joe Biden from the race for the White House would not significantly alter Trump's campaign, according to a senior advisor to Donald Trump. "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 Committee 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 in the "Washington Post", influential Democrat Nancy Pelosi believes that President Joe Biden could be convinced to withdraw from the race for the US Presidency 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 openGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the SPD still sees the outcome of the US Presidential election as open. "It's a bit daring and risky to be sure now about how this election will turn out," Scholz said at a press conference at the end of the European Council meeting in Britain. As an example, he mentioned the last German federal election, which he won as the SPD's chancellor candidate despite appearing hopelessly behind in the polls against the Union. As a good Democrat, he emphasized, "elections only take place when they take place."
23:28 Insider: Biden weighing withdrawal from presidential race
According to sources, US President Joe Biden is reportedly considering dropping out of the presidential race. Biden is taking the calls for him to step down as the Democratic nominee seriously, say close associates. Several Democratic officials believe an exit is only a matter of time. "I'm certain he's seriously considering 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," the insider adds. 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's 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. "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. Kirby, however, cannot yet "at this point" say how such a meeting would look. Netanyahu is scheduled to fly to Washington on Monday to deliver 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 remain a priority," the spokesperson adds.
22:14 Doctor: Biden suffering from mild Corona symptoms
According to his doctor, US President Joe Biden continues to experience mild respiratory symptoms due to his Coronavirus infection. Biden has no fever, Kevin O'Connor reports. The President is being treated with the medication Paxlovid. The White House 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.
21:37 Biden 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 running through scenarios where President Biden is not at the top of the candidate list. He is and will be the candidate of the Democrats," 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.
20:53 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 - not good news for Europe.
20:07 Report: Trump insulted or attacked 38 percent of the US population
According to an unofficial list from the "Washington Post," 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, on social media, and in interviews. Trump's statements could therefore affect more than 126 million people who take pride in 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: 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 without his partner and watched, for example, the speech of his vice presidential candidate's wife, Usha Vance. Melania Trump's absence, 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.**
14:27: Some Republicans see Biden's health as an opportunity, suggesting Donald Trump could potentially win against a weaker Democratic candidate in the United States Presidential Election 2024.
13:55: A group of Republican Politicians, including Representatives Jim Jordan and Matt Gaetz, have publicly criticized Joe Biden's physical and mental fitness for a candidacy and his chances of winning. They claim US Intelligence did not properly assess Donald Trump's capabilities in the 2016 elections.
12:22: In a move to regain the Republican base in Wisconsin, some Republicans, like Senator Ron Johnson, have expressed support for Donald Trump's return to the political scene. They believe it could give a boost to GOP candidates in the upcoming midterm elections.
11:10: Many Republican leaders, however, have remained silent on Joe Biden's health concerns, preferring to focus on policy disagreements and their opposition to the Biden Administration's policies. They see an assault on Democrat Joe Biden's personal capabilities as a distraction from more pressing political issues.
10:01: In Pennsylvania, where Donald Trump's support remains strong, some local Republican officials see an opportunity in Biden's health concerns, potentially advocating for Trump's return to the 2024 Presidential Race.
09:27: Some notable Republicans, like former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, have come out in opposition to attacks on Joe Biden's health, advocating against a divisive political climate that could further polarize the nation during a critical election year.
