These Democrats could beat Trump (CNN-Analyst: At 19:33)
If US-President Joe Biden were to decide to withdraw from his candidacy, the Democrats would have no reason to worry - they would have a women's duo in the party that could still defeat the likely Republican candidate Donald Trump, according to Julian Zelizer, political analyst at CNN and Princeton Professor. In a commentary on CNN, Zelizer states that Kamala Harris as a presidential candidate and Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan, 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 excite voters and achieve a historic result.
18:17 Report: Biden Family Discusses Withdrawal Scenarios
Members of the Biden family have reportedly discussed how a withdrawal from his campaign could look. According to NBC News, this is based on information from two people familiar with the discussions. The discussions were reportedly about Biden's withdrawal options. The sources quoted by NBC News describe two conditions for a possible withdrawal plan that were a "common theme" in the discussions: If Biden were to make this decision, it would need to put the party in the best position to defeat Trump. It is also important that Biden leaves office with dignity. The fact that Biden is even considering a withdrawal and discussing potential exit strategies 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 Press Secretary: Biden Takes Dem Concerns Seriously
US President Joe Biden, according to his team, will return to the campaign trail in the coming week after his isolation due to mild Corona symptoms. This was announced by the head of his campaign team, Jen O'Malley Dillon, in an interview with MSNBC. "He's absolutely in it," she says. Biden takes the concerns of some Democrats seriously, but is determined to fight for a second term. In recent days, pressure on Biden has increased. Numerous 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 house in Delaware due to a Corona infection.
15:38 Kamala Harris counters Trump's unity promises
With his speech at the Republican Convention in Milwaukee, Presidential candidate Donald Trump aims to unite the deeply divided American population. In response, Vice President Kamala Harris writes on X with clear words in social media: "If you claim to stand for unity, you must do more than just use the word." Harris writes that he can't just claim to stand for the unity of the USA while pursuing an agenda that deprives whole groups of Americans of their fundamental freedoms, opportunities, and dignity.
14:33 Media report: Biden considering dropping out of the race
According to media reports, President Joe Biden is now considering withdrawing from the race for the White House due to prolonged pressure. The "New York Times" cites several sources from Biden's camp 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. The "New York Times" quotes from Biden's camp that they would not be surprised if Biden soon supports Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate. However, a close associate of the president emphasized that Biden has not yet decided.
13:50 Attempted assassin informed himself about other school shooters
The Trump assassin informed himself about another school shooter, who had shot 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 Convention, he pays tribute to Donald Trump in a wrestling-style speech.
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 in MDR, for example, Trump's stance on containing China and the existence of Israel. 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 the audience. Spahn, who was observing the Republican Convention as an observer, emphasized that Trump "is often right in foreign policy." "Our Iran policy was wrong in retrospect, his was right. Our policy on Nord Stream 2 was wrong, he warned us." Trump has been demanding "for years" that Europe do more for its security, said Spahn. "We have kept our eyes closed for too long."
11:52 Communications expert: Trump strikes "unusual notes"
With over 90 minutes, Donald Trump delivers the longest nomination speech to date. However, it's not just "typical campaigning with a ton of fake news," says communications expert Christian Galvez, but also "unusual notes" for the Republicans.
11:26 Trump's Performance Reminds Security Experts of "Life of Brian"
According to security expert Christian Mölling, the substance of Trump's statements at the US Republican Party convention is not the most significant aspect. "When you see that people are really clinging to that association. [...] It's just like in Life of Brian," he says in the "Die Lage" podcast. "There's a scene right at the end where everyone is chasing after someone's sandal, who has somehow become an icon, so worshipped. It doesn't matter if it's a sandal or if it's a band: Trump is being deified and he's 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 potential consequences of his announcements regarding Ukraine and other US allies. Additionally, the politologist assesses whether Biden will still be the Democratic Party's presidential candidate next week:
10:19 Trump Accuses Biden of Causing More Damage Than "Ten Worst Presidents" Combined
Originally, Trump didn't want to mention Biden in his speech, but he deviated from his script again. "The damage he has inflicted on this country is unimaginable," Trump said about the incumbent president. When considering the "ten worst presidents" in US history, the damage he caused is not as great as the damage Biden has caused.
09:51 When Trump Deviates from the Script, He Brings Old Tunes Back
In Milwaukee, Trump spoke about the assassination attempt against him; he looked tired but was then cheered on by delegates and didn't always stick to his script - "old tunes come 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 Speech
CNN counts over 20 false claims in Trump's convention speech. Many of these false statements had been made by the presidential candidate before, some for years. Affected topics 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, which was not in the speech script according to reports.
08:45 Trump Circumvents Taiwan Question in Speech
China was only mentioned 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 it is attacked by China. Trump has not yet committed to this issue.
08:22 Trump Falsely Accuses Biden of Record Inflation
After the inflation rate in the US reached a record high of 9.1% in June 2022, according to CNN, it has since dropped to 3%. Trump's accusation of record inflation under US President Biden is therefore not accurate. The record inflation rate was actually 23.7% in 1920.
08:01 First, Trump wants to close the border
At his return to the White House, Trump intends to close the border as one of his first official acts to prevent migrants from entering the USA. "I will end the crisis of illegal immigration by closing our border and completing the wall," confirmed the 78-year-old in his speech at the Republican Party convention. "We must stop the invasion of our country."
07:20 Trump exaggerates in fight against IS in Syria
Trump also exaggerated in his statement about IS in Syria, according to the "New York Times." Trump claimed that under his leadership, the USA had completely defeated the terror organization within two months. However, the US-led coalition against the so-called Islamic State had begun in 2014, long before Trump's first term. The last territories were lost by the IS in March 2019, therefore not two months, but two years after Trump's inauguration.
06:51 Trump lies about abandoned military equipment in Afghanistan
Trump's false claim about the USA leaving behind military equipment worth $85 billion in Afghanistan was also repeated in his speech. According to US media, this refers to the total amount that Congress provided during the war for a fund to support Afghan security forces. 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 used 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 are stupid." Trump spoke for several minutes about immigration. He repeated statements from campaign rallies. He claims, for example, that almost exclusively criminals come over the southern border and people 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 with his family on the stage at the end. Melania Trump, who had been missing from important campaign events such as the TV debate between her husband and President Biden, stands next to the Republican presidential candidate in Milwaukee.
05:49 Trump: I save democracy
Donald Trump called on political differences not to be "demonized." The USA should not "criminalize dissent," he said in his nomination speech at the Republican Party convention. The 78-year-old does not see himself as a threat to democracy, but rather saves "democracy for the people of our country." Trump is involved in various legal disputes. He presents himself publicly as a victim of a politically motivated "witch hunt." He still refuses to acknowledge his defeat in the presidential election 2020 against Joe Biden.
05:06 Trump remembers attack victim and kisses firefighter helmet
At his nomination speech in Milwaukee, Donald Trump paid tribute to the man killed in the attack on him. Following this, Trump kissed the helmet of the firefighter who was shot during the campaign event in the US state of Pennsylvania. The man's jacket was also visible on stage. "He was incredible," Trump said. 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 recounts attack story
With a softer and slower tone than usual, Donald Trump recounted the story of the attack on him in Milwaukee - "for the first and only time," he explained. Because it was too painful to tell it again, Trump said. "I had God on my side. (...) I shouldn't be here tonight." At this, the audience began to cheer: "But, you should be here!"
04:46 Trump begins nomination speech in conciliatory tone
Donald Trump began his speech at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in a conciliatory tone: "I am running for President of the whole United States, not for half of America. There is no victory if you win for half of America."
04:08 Carlson: Aid to Ukraine "middle finger" to AmericansTucker Carlson, the Putin-friendly talk show host, criticized US aid to Ukraine at the Republican National Convention. "You're not seeing your President acting as he proposes, 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 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 Ukraine then sarcastically honored Carlson as their "Kremlin 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 had led Trump to revise his upcoming speech and emphasize unity, according to Trump's daughter Ivanka's wife: "I don't think you can go through what he went through on Saturday without it having an effect." Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris finds Trump's call for unity unconvincing. "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 campaign
According to a high-ranking advisor to Donald Trump, Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race for the White House would not significantly change 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 disintegration 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's "not going to 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 out
According to a report by the "Washington Post," Nancy Pelosi, a powerful Democrat, believes that President Joe Biden could soon drop out of the US presidential race. 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 open
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the SPD still considers the outcome of the US presidential election open. It's "a bit daring and risky" to be sure now how this election will turn out, Scholz said at a press conference at the end of the European Council meeting in Great Britain. As an example, he cited the last federal election in Germany, which he won as the SPD's chancellor candidate despite being behind in the polls at the time. "As a good Democrat, I want to point out that elections only take place when they take place," Scholz said.
23:28 Insiders: Biden considering withdrawal from campaign
US President Joe Biden is reportedly considering dropping out of the presidential race, according to insiders. Biden is taking the demands for him to withdraw seriously as the Democratic candidate, sources close to the matter said. Several Democratic officials believe that a withdrawal is only a matter of time. "I'm sure he's really thinking about it," one insider said, speaking anonymously. "He's thinking very seriously about it." Another Democrat close to the situation said Biden had recognized the signs of the times. "It feels like it's a matter of (...) when, not if," the insider added. Quentin Fulks, Biden's deputy campaign manager, however, said the president was not indecisive and had 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 scheduled for next weekThe White House announced that US President Joe Biden will still have a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to Washington next week. "We assume that they will have an opportunity for a meeting while the prime minister is in town," says John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council of the US. However, he cannot "at this point" say how such a meeting will specifically look. Netanyahu is flying to Washington on Monday to give a speech before the US Congress among other things. Israeli media had reported on a planned meeting with Biden. However, according to Kirby, whether such a meeting will take place depends on the progression of Corona infection in Biden. "We need to ensure that the health of the president and his recovery are priorities," says the spokesperson.
22:14 Doctor: Biden suffering from mild Corona symptomsAccording to his doctor, US President Joe Biden is still experiencing mild respiratory symptoms due to his Coronavirus infection. Biden does not have a fever, says Kevin O'Connor. The president is being treated with the drug 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 in the US state of Delaware.
21:37 Biden campaign team rules out other candidacy scenariosThe campaign team of US President Joe Biden is not planning any scenarios in which Biden is not the leading candidate for the Democrats in the race for the White House. "Our campaign does not play out any scenarios in which President Biden is not at the top of the candidate list. He is and will be the candidate of the Democrats," says Biden's deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks 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 Report: Trump insulted 38 percent of US populationAn unofficial list published by the "Washington Post" shows that former President Donald Trump has insulted or berated 38 percent of the American population in speeches at rallies, social media, and in conversations with cities and states. Trump's statements could therefore affect more than 126 million people who take pride in their hometowns. Milwaukee, the host city of the Republican Party Convention, is reportedly referred to by Trump as a "terrible city."
19:33 Where is Melania Trump in Milwaukee?: Missing from the Republican Convention
Melania Trump is missing from the Republican Party's final evening lineup. This was reported by trusted sources within the program. There had been much speculation about whether the wife of the now officially nominated Presidential candidate, Donald Trump, would make an appearance at the GOP gathering 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 the past evenings, Trump has sat alone on the stage tribune without his partner and watched, for instance, the speech of his Vice Presidential candidate's wife, Usha Vance. The fact 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.**
1. According to NBC News, sources close to the Biden family have discussed the possibility of Biden withdrawing from the 2024 US Presidential Election, with a focus on ensuring the Democratic Party has the best chance of defeating Donald Trump.
2. In a CNN commentary, political analyst Julian Zelizer suggests a potential Biden succession with Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate and Gretchen Whitmer as the vice presidential candidate, as they could excite voters and achieve a historic result.
3. Media reports suggest that President Joe Biden is considering withdrawing from the race for the White House due to increasing pressure and concerns about his physical and mental fitness for the candidacy.
4. In a response to Donald Trump's unity promises, Vice President Kamala Harris writes on social media that true unity requires actions opposing policies that deprive groups of Americans of their fundamental freedoms, opportunities, and dignity.
5. Polls indicate that Vice President Kamala Harris has better chances against Donald Trump than President Biden, causing pressure within the Democratic Party to consider alternative candidates.
6. The US Intelligence Agency is reportedly looking into the possibility of a Donald Trump attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 US Presidential Election in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, fueled by his false claims of election fraud.
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