Historian Snyder: 'Trump has clearly chosen the far-right camp'
For historian Timothy Snyder, Donald Trump is "entirely responsible" for the political climate of violence in the USA. He does not believe, however, that the assassination attempt on the US presidential candidate could unite the country. With the selection of J.D. Vance as his running mate, Trump "has chosen a side with the far-right," says Snyder in an interview with ntv.de. "He cannot use the assassination attempt as a unifying theme because Vance has already falsely accused the Democrats."
The full interview with Timothy Snyder appears at 3:00 PM on ntv.de
8:51 Biden in video: "I'm excited to go on the campaign trail"The debate over a possible withdrawal of US President Joe Biden from the campaign heats up. Leading Democrats are trying to convince the 81-year-old to withdraw to improve their chances against former President Donald Trump. But Biden plans to campaign next week.
7:51 Democrat: Biden didn't recognize meRepresentative Seth Moulton is part of a group of around a dozen Democrats calling for Biden to withdraw from the campaign. In an op-ed for the "Boston Globe," he justifies his position with doubts about Biden's fitness. "Recently, I saw him in a small group in Normandy on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of D-Day. For the first time, I didn't recognize him," Moulton writes. "Of course, that can happen with increasing age, but when I watched the disastrous debate a few weeks ago, I had to admit that what I saw in Normandy was part of a deeper problem."
6:47 Voter group announces initiative for DemocratsWhile some major donors to US President Biden have withdrawn their financing, the liberal umbrella organization "America Votes" announces that it will spend $40 million in the next two weeks. The money will be used to win voters and voters in five contested states for the Democratic Party, according to a press release. "Our partners know how to defeat Trump and Co., because they have done it in three consecutive elections," Daria Dawson, head of the group, is quoted as saying in the "New York Times." The democracy is at stake in the November election.
5:31 Pelosi against direct appointment of Harris, if Biden drops outCalifornia Representative Nancy Pelosi reportedly prefers an "competitive" process for the nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic presidential candidate in the event of a Biden campaign withdrawal. This is reported by the "New York Times" based on sources in the California Democratic delegation. At a meeting with the delegation, Pelosi reportedly argued strongly for a withdrawal of Biden. With Biden, the Democrats would lose every chance.
4:49 Threats against Trump and Vance: Arrest in FloridaBecause he allegedly threatened Donald Trump and his chosen vice president J.D. Vance on social media with death, a man has been arrested in Florida. The authorities were alerted through online tips and reports from neighbors, according to a Facebook post by the Jupiter, Florida police department. During the examination of his Facebook account, the officers discovered several threats against Trump and Vance. Threats against their family members were also identified. The man was taken into custody, it was reported.
04:03 Report: Biden "furious" at Pelosi
President Joe Biden is facing a new round of disgruntled Democrats who publicly urged him to leave the Presidential race. Among them is the California Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, a close ally of former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. According to CNN, the President is "furious" with Pelosi, who has publicly expressed her support for Biden.
02:45 Trump Supporter explored event venue with drone
The Trump supporter explored the event venue, as reported by the "Wall Street Journal," shortly before the attack. He was capable of taking aerial images of the fairgrounds in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, only a few hours before the attack, according to law enforcement officials familiar with the matter. These findings could raise further questions about whether the event venue was adequately secured.
01:39 Prominent Biden supporter separates from advisor
Reid Hoffman, a prominent Democratic donor and co-founder of LinkedIn, has separated from his longtime political advisor Dmitri Mehlhorn. Mehlhorn stated that his views on the future of the Democratic Party had become a "distraction." The two were the spearhead of major donors who encouraged Democrats to rally behind President Biden as their party's candidate.
00:29 More Democrats call for Biden to withdraw
Representative Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico urged President Biden to "step aside to give the Democrats the best chances to win in November." Vasquez, who faces a tight re-election battle in Congress, joins a growing list of endangered Democrats who have called on the President to withdraw from the race. Ten Democrats in the House of Representatives have joined the chorus of party members urging Biden to abandon his campaign today.
23:20 Harris attempts to reassure top Democratic donors - fails
Vice President Kamala Harris tried to reassure the Democratic Party's top donors by informing them that there was little cause for concern about President Biden's campaign during a call with around 300 of them. Several participants of the video call told the "New York Times" that they found the meeting overall unproductive and sometimes even condescending. Many believe that Harris' message ignored the legitimate concerns of donors about Biden's campaign.
22:21 First post-attack rally appearance from Trump with VP candidate Vance
A week after the attack, former US President Donald Trump made his first campaign appearance at a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, alongside his vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance. Trump was nominated as the Republican Party's presidential candidate at the party convention this week and received a triumphant welcome.
21:50 Union foreign policy spokesperson Hardt: We will have to adjust to new Republicans
The foreign policy spokesperson for the Union faction, Jürgen Hardt, expects the Republicans, under their presidential candidate, to realign ideologically - regardless of the November election outcome. Trump's campaign promises were described as a "wonder cabinet."
21:23 During calls for Biden's retreat: Harris enjoys ice cream with Tyra Banks in pop-up shop
While calls for US President Joe Biden to retreat as a candidate for the US elections in November are growing louder within the Democratic Party (see entry 20:56), his potential successor Kamala Harris invites her nieces for ice cream. In the US capital Washington DC, former supermodel Tyra Banks opens a Pop-up Eisladen "Smize&Dream". Together with her two nieces, the US Vice President enjoys an ice cream - served personally by the ex-model.
20:56 Democrats openly demand Biden's retreat
More and more Democrats are urging US President Joe Biden to step down from his 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 beforehand, Democrats Jared Huffman from California, Mark Veasey from Texas, Chuy Garcia from Illinois, and Mark Pocan from Wisconsin - Democrats from the US House of Representatives - had previously expressed their views in an open letter that Biden should "pass the torch to a new generation of democratic leaders".
20:18 Biden to go back on campaign trail next week
US President Joe Biden announces that he will be back on the campaign trail next week and will win the election in November. In the past, 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 end his candidacy and make way for a more promising person had increased.
19:33 CNN analyst: These Democrats could still beat Trump
If US President Joe Biden were to decide to step down as a candidate, the Democrats have no reason to fear - they have a women's duo in the party that could still beat the likely Republican candidate Donald Trump. Julian Zelizer, political analyst for CNN 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 vice presidential candidate, 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 Discusses Withdrawal Scenarios
Members of the family of US President Joe Biden have reportedly discussed withdrawal scenarios from his campaign. According to NBC News, citing two sources familiar with the discussions, the conversations centered around Biden's exit options. 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, his withdrawal should put the party in the best position to defeat former President Donald Trump. It is also essential, according to the sources, that Biden can leave office with dignity. NBC News reports that 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, 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
According to his team, US President Joe Biden will return to campaigning in the coming week after isolating due to mild Corona symptoms. Jen O'Malley Dillon, the head of his campaign team, 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 remains 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 his 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 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 the unity of the USA if he pursued an agenda that "robs whole groups of Americans of their fundamental freedoms, opportunities, and dignity."
14:33 Media Report: Biden Considering Exit from the Race
According to media reports, ailing US President Joe Biden is now reportedly considering exiting the presidential race. The "New York Times" cites several sources in Biden's circle, who indicate that the 81-year-old is beginning to accept that he may not win the election in November against his rival Donald Trump. "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 candidate instead. 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 on MDR approximately Trump's stance on containing China and on Israel's existence. The former Federal Health Minister also commented on Trump's announced peace initiative for Ukraine. He said that Europeans should "be part of these talks" and should not be content with the role of spectators. Spahn, who was observing the Republican Party convention as an observer, emphasized 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 us." Trump has been calling "for years" that Europe should do more for its security, said Spahn. "We had kept our eyes closed before that."
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," says communication expert Christian Galvez, but also contains "unusual tones" for the Republicans:
11:26 Trump's performance 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. "If you see that people are really clinging 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, who by chance has become an icon, an object of veneration. It doesn't matter if it's a sandal or a band: Trump is being deified and he's also deifying himself, and that's why the content, I believe, is totally banal."
10:55 Politologist 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 consequences of his announcements for Ukraine and other US allies:
10:19 Trump accuses Biden of causing greater damage than through "ten worst presidents" combined
Originally, Trump did not 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 Trump's.
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 at first but was then celebrated by the delegates and didn't always stick to his script - "old tunes rang through." NTV reporter Hanna Klouth shares her impressions of the nomination speech of the now official Republican presidential 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 previously made by the presidential candidate, some for years. Affected topics include the economy, immigration, crime, foreign policy, and elections. The statement that he left the Biden administration a peaceful world 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 circumvents 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 he is re-elected and China attacks the country. Trump has not yet committed to a position on this issue.
*You can read about all previous developments [here].*
- According to Snyder, Trump's choice of Vance as his running mate indicates he is aligning with the far-right, making it difficult for him to use the assassination attempt as a unifying theme due to Vance's false accusations against the Democrats.
- Despite calls from top Democrats for Biden to withdraw, he intends to campaign next week.
- Representative Seth Moulton, part of a group of Democrats advocating for Biden's withdrawal, has doubts about the President's fitness, citing his erratic behavior during the debate and his appearance in Normandy.
- The liberal umbrella organization "America Votes" announced it will spend $40 million in the next two weeks to win voters in five contested states for the Democratic Party, highlighting their belief that they can defeat Trump.
- A man was arrested in Florida for threatening Donald Trump and J.D. Vance with death on social media, causing concerns about the security of both candidates.
- Nancy Pelosi reportedly prefers a competitive process for the nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic presidential candidate if Biden were to withdraw, rather than directly appointing her to the role.
