23:24 Vice President Pence: Should we withdraw from some conflicts
Trump's running mate J.D. Vance spoke for the first time in his role. "There's nothing radical", he said about the 'tough approach' if the United States were to go to war. However, he also warned against too much international engagement. "Sometimes, my friends, it's nothing to us, and we should just stay out of it", said Vance.
22:24 Von der Leyen phones with Biden
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the US President Joe Biden, who is under heavy domestic political pressure, have phoned each other. Biden congratulated her on her re-election, according to both sides. According to US government sources, the conversation also covered the support for Ukraine and efforts to hold Russia accountable for its aggression. The 65-year-old von der Leyen wrote in her post on X, that the EU and the US are standing together in Europe, the Near East, and the Indo-Pacific region in the face of common challenges. In doing so, they are "Partners, Friends, and Allies".
22:11 Doctor gives update: Biden's Corona symptoms improving
The symptoms of US President Joe Biden's Covid-19 infection are improving. This was stated by his doctor, Kevin O'Connor, in an update. According to the White House statement, he still has a cough and hoarseness. "His pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature are all still absolutely normal", it says in the statement released by the White House. "His oxygen saturation remains excellent at room air. His lungs are clear." Biden also took his sixth dose of Paxlovid. O'Connor also stated that Biden has contracted the BA.2.3 variant. This is responsible for about one third of new infections in the US.
21:47 Doctor gives update: Biden's Corona symptoms improving
The symptoms of US President Joe Biden's Covid-19 infection are improving. This was stated by his doctor, Kevin O'Connor, in an update. According to the White House statement, he still has a cough and hoarseness. "His pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature are all still absolutely normal", it says in the statement released by the White House. "His oxygen saturation remains excellent at room air. His lungs are clear." Biden also took his sixth dose of Paxlovid. O'Connor also stated that Biden has contracted the BA.2.3 variant. This is responsible for about one third of new infections in the US.
21:06 Healing in the USA: The best hope, but preparing for the worst
Facing the spectacular turns in the US election campaign, Federal Labor Minister Hubertus Heil sees the presidential race as completely open. "I believe that this election is still not decided", said the SPD politician on his way from Berlin to Washington. Heil did not say whether he wished for Biden to drop out or to seek a second term. However, he has political sympathies, "because we have experienced in the last few years that we had very intensive transatlantic relationships with the Biden administration and the Democratic leadership". Biden has done a lot right. "As a responsible politician in Germany, as a member of a federal government, one must naturally prepare for all possible scenarios", said Heil. His motto in this case: "Hoping for the best, but also preparing for the difficult and bad."
20:30 Statement from the White House: Biden expresses condolences for the death of Democratic Representative Sheila Jackson LeeSheila Jackson Lee, the 74-year-old Democratic US Representative from Texas, has passed away. The family of the Texas Representative announced her passing in a statement. "With profound sorrow for our loss, but also deep gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announce today the passing of Representative Sheila Jackson Lee," the statement reads. President Joe Biden expressed his condolences in a statement from the White House. "No matter the topic - from racial justice to building an economy for working people - she was relentless in her leadership role," Biden said of the Democrat from the Houston area, who served in the House of Representatives for three decades.
19:30 Secret Service requests support for Trump's campaign event in MichiganThe Secret Service has requested support from the Kent County Sheriff's Office in Michigan, where Grand Rapids is located, for the protection of Donald Trump. According to the "Washington Post," the Republican presidential candidate will hold his first campaign event since the assassination attempt in Grand Rapids in the afternoon (local time).
18:50 Another Democrat calls for Biden to withdraw from presidential raceThe 36th Democrat, Mark Takano, has called on Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race and hand the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris. Takano, the highest-ranking Democrat on the Veterans Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives, wrote in a statement that "it's clear to me that the demands of a modern campaign now best fit the abilities of the Vice President." He added, "I love and respect President Biden, but there's too much at stake to fail."
18:10 Vance calls on Biden to retire as presidentJames D. Vance, the Republican vice presidential candidate, has called on Joe Biden to retire as president instead of withdrawing from the race for re-election. "If you can't run, you can't serve. He should step down," Vance wrote on Twitter. Biden is increasingly being urged to retire from his candidacy by both Democratic supporters and Republicans, with many expressing concern about his health.
17:15 Expert: USA are closer to civil war "than anyone realizes"Political scientist Barbara Walter has renewed her warning that the United States are closer to a civil war "than anyone realizes." She fears political instability or violence in the United States for the next one to two decades, which could include the assassination of politicians and judges and the rise of militias, as reported by the "Frankfurter Rundschau." The causes include political polarization, cultural tribalism, acceptance of conspiracy theories, and the availability of weapons in the United States. Walter warns against the false sense of naivety and innocence in American society. Many mistakenly believe that the United States are "too good" for such things.
16:35 Sharon Stone on US Elections: I am deeply concernedHollywood star Sharon Stone expresses concern for the future of her homeland in the heated US election. "I am a proud American. I love my country and of course I am deeply concerned," said the 66-year-old at the Taormina Film Festival in the namesake vacation spot on Sicily. This is the first time someone has built their campaign on the basis of hate and suppression, Stone added. She did not name anyone specifically. However, she likely meant former President Donald Trump, who was recently nominated as the Republican Party's presidential candidate for the upcoming election. In recent months, he has made controversial statements and recently worsened his rhetoric on the topic of immigration.
15:45 Man arrested for threats against Trump and VanceA man has been arrested for alleged threats against Donald Trump and Mike Pence, the Republican Party's vice presidential candidate. The suspect threatened to murder both Trump and Pence, according to the Jupiter Police Department. He reportedly made these threats on Facebook. The posts also contained threats of bodily harm against the families of Republicans.
15:05 Trump holds first rally since attackDonald Trump will hold his first rally since the attack on his person today in Butler. The 78-year-old will appear in Grand Rapids in the contested state of Michigan with his vice presidential candidate Mike Pence. This will be their first joint campaign rally as official Republican Party presidential candidates. In contrast to his last campaign rally in Butler, this event will take place in a hall and not outside. The US intelligence agency declined to comment on the security measures for the Grand Rapids event.
14:22 Expert: "Trump is an extremist"Peter Neumann, a leading extremism researcher at King's College in London, considers Donald Trump an extremist. "He is not willing to accept a lost election. That is the prerequisite for a democracy to function," he told "t-online". Neumann recognizes clear authoritarian tendencies in Trump. "If it were up to him, we wouldn't need Congress, the courts, the media, or even the parliament." Regarding a potentially violent escalation during the presidential election on November 5, Neumann also stated: "There are 350 million guns in the US in private possession. The potential for violence is enormous." The greatest danger, according to Neumann, is the moment after the election if Trump loses and refuses to accept the result. Neumann can easily imagine "that there will be a confrontation that could escalate."
13:45 Democratic strategist: Biden donors in "panic"Joe Biden's donors are currently in a state of "panic," according to Lindy Li, a Democratic Party strategist, speaking to Sky News. The "blue wall" of the president in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin seems to be "cracking." The term "blue wall" refers to US states where traditionally the Democrats have won elections.
13:13 Author T. C. Boyle: "Trump took responsibility for the shots himself"US author T. C. Boyle sees shared responsibility of Donald Trump and his Republican Party for the shots fired at Trump at a campaign rally. "He took the shots in Pennsylvania upon himself", says the 73-year-old bestselling author to "wochentaz". The Republicans are "the party of gun nuts". "They want absolutely no controls. They even want to abolish the laws that today limit automatic weapons." Boyle suggests Biden's withdrawal as the Democratic candidate for the presidency in November. "There are so many great young, energetic people who could beat Trump", he says. Among others, he mentions Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and California Governor Gavin Newsom.
12:39 Hunter: "Michelle Obama is the only one with better values than Trump"Will Biden stay in the race or withdraw his candidacy? Political scientist Thomas Hunter speaks of a "self-destruction of the Democrats" and a "campaign led by Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama". No one has better chances to defeat Trump than Biden.
12:04 Trump critic Christie: "He hated what he said"Republican politician Chris Christie criticizes Trump's convention speech. The US presidential candidate failed to unite the nation, says Christie to ABC. Trump showed restraint when speaking about the attack on him, but "he hated what he said", Christie says about Trump's appeal for national "unity". The former governor of New Jersey Christie is one of Trump's sharpest critics in the Republican Party.
11:02 Pistorius: Germany would be "even more demanded" after a Trump winAccording to Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, Germany's military role in Europe would be required independently of the outcome of the US presidential election. "Should Donald Trump become US president, the weights within NATO are likely to shift even faster," he says to "Tagesspiegel". The Federal Republic as the largest economy in the EU would "then be even more demanded". This development should also be reflected in the federal budget.
10:23 Biden criticizes Trump speech angrily at home - and is angryIn a long thread on X, US President Joe Biden sharply criticizes Trump's speech at the Republican National Convention. "Since I'm at home with Covid, I had the bad luck to see Donald Trump's speech before the RNC", writes Biden, who is currently recovering from a Corona infection. Biden criticizes Trump's tax policy. "He said he would start with 'debt forgiveness' and further reduce taxes. That's a joke", so Biden. "Trump exploded the deficit in his first term, and his tax reduction plan would make it even worse in a second term." In addition, he accused Trump of wanting to be a dictator.
09:41 Historian Snyder: "Trump has decided for the far-right camp"For historian Timothy Snyder, Donald Trump is "entirely responsible" for the political climate of violence in the US. He doesn't believe the attack on the US presidential candidate could unite the country. With J.D. Vance as his running mate, Trump "has decided for the far-right camp", says Snyder in an interview with ntv.de. "He can't use the attack as a unifying theme because Vance has already falsely accused the Democrats."
The full interview with Timothy Snyder appears at 15:00 on ntv.de
08:51 Biden: "Excited to go on 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 step down to improve the party's chances against former President Donald Trump. But Biden intends to campaign next week.
07:51 Democrat: Biden didn't recognize meRepresentative Seth Moulton is part of a group of Democrats calling for US President Joe Biden to exit the campaign. In an op-ed for the "Boston Globe", he justifies his position with concerns about Biden's constitution. "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."
06:47 Voter group announces initiative for DemocratsWhile some major donors of US President Biden have withheld their financing, the liberal umbrella organization "America Votes" announced it will invest $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 beat Trump and Co., because they have done it in three consecutive elections," Daria Dawson, the group's CEO, was quoted as saying by the "New York Times." The democracy is at stake in the November election.
05:31 Pelosi against direct nomination of Harris, if Biden drops outCalifornia Representative Nancy Pelosi reportedly prefers the "competitive" process of an open primary for the nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic presidential candidate in the event of Biden's withdrawal from the race. According to the "New York Times," sources in the California Democratic delegation reported this at a meeting with the delegation. Pelosi reportedly urged for Biden's withdrawal. With Biden, the Democrats would lose every chance.
04:49 Threats against Trump and Vance: Arrest in FloridaDue to threats against Republican US Presidential candidate Donald Trump and his designated vice president J.D. Vance on social media, a man was arrested in Florida. The authorities were alerted through online tips and reports from neighbors, the Jupiter Police Department reported on Facebook. During the examination of his Facebook account, the officers discovered several threats against Trump and Vance. Threats were also made against their family members. The man was taken into custody.
04:03 Report: Biden "angry" at PelosiPresident Joe Biden is facing a new round of defiant Democrats who publicly urged him to leave the presidential race. Among them is California Representative Zoe Lofgren, a close ally of former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. According to CNN, Biden is "angry" with Pelosi, who has publicly expressed her support for the US President.
02:45 Trump's bodyguard explored event location with droneAccording to a report by the "Wall Street Journal," Trump's bodyguard explored the event location with a drone right before the incident. He was able to take aerial images of the fairgrounds in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, only a few hours before the attack, the paper reported, citing law enforcement officials familiar with the matter. These findings may raise further questions about whether the event site was adequately secured.
01:39 Prominent Biden supporter separates from advisorReid Hoffman, a prominent Democratic donor and billionaire 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 commit to President Biden as their party's candidate.
00:29 More Democrats call for Biden to withdrawRepresentative Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico is urging President Biden to "step aside to give the Democrats the best chances to win in November." Vasquez, who faces a tight re-election battle for his House seat, joins a chorus of other endangered Democrats who have called on the President to drop out. Ten Democrats in Congress have joined the ranks of party members urging Biden to abandon his campaign today.
23:20 Harris tries to reassure top Democratic donors - and failsVice President Kamala Harris attempted to reassure the Democratic Party's largest donors by informing them during a video call that there was little cause for concern regarding President Biden's campaign. Several participants in the call told the "New York Times" that they found the meeting overall unproductive and sometimes even condescending. Many believe, according to the report, that Harris' message ignored the legitimate concerns of donors about Biden's campaign.
22:21 Trump's first campaign appearance since the attack, with VP candidate VanceA week after the attack, former U.S. President Donald Trump made his first campaign appearance on Saturday in Grand Rapids, Michigan, alongside his vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance. Trump was nominated as the Republican Party's presidential candidate at the convention this week and received a triumphant welcome.
21:50 Union foreign policy spokesperson Hardt: We may need to adjust to new Republican ideologiesThe foreign policy spokesperson for the Union faction, Jürgen Hardt, anticipates that the Republicans, under their presidential candidate, will ideologically realign themselves - regardless of the November election result. Trump's campaign promises were described as a "wonderful surprise."
21:23 While withdrawal calls grow louder: Harris visits ice cream shop with Tyra BanksAs calls for Biden to withdraw as a candidate for the US elections in November grow louder, even from within the Democratic ranks (see entry 20:56), his potential successor Kamala Harris spent time with her nieces at an ice cream shop. In the U.S. capital, Washington D.C., former supermodel Tyra Banks opened a pop-up ice cream parlor "Smize&Dream." Harris and her two nieces enjoyed ice cream - served personally by the ex-model.
20:56 Democrats openly call for Biden to withdraw
More and more Democrats are openly urging U.S. President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race for the U.S. elections in November and make way for a more promising candidate. In the past few hours, Representatives Betty McCollum of Minnesota, Kathy Castor of Florida, Zoe Lofgren of California, and Greg Landsman have given statements urging Biden to withdraw. Shortly before that, Democrats Jared Huffman of California, Mark Veasey of Texas, Chuy Garcia of Illinois, and Mark Pocan of Wisconsin had 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
U.S. 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 had increased.
19:33 CNN analyst: These Democrats could beat Trump
Should Joe Biden decide to withdraw from his candidacy, the Democrats have no reason to fear - they have a women's duo in the party that could still defeat 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, the Governor of Michigan, as her vice presidential candidate, have the best chances of leading the party through this crisis. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris is being widely discussed as a potential successor to Biden in the U.S. presidential elections in November. Whitmer is one of the rising stars 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 Biden family have discussed how a withdrawal from his campaign might look. NBC News reports this based on two sources familiar with the discussions. The discussions reportedly focused on Biden's withdrawal options. The sources quoted by NBC News describe two prerequisites for a potential withdrawal plan that were a "general tenor" of the discussions: If Biden were to make this decision, it would need to 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 withdrawing and discussing potential withdrawal plans with his family is a new development, according to NBC News.
17:03 Could Kamala Harris beat Trump?
The pressure on U.S. President Joe Biden from within his own party is growing. According to polls, his vice president Kamala Harris has better chances against the Republican challenger and frontrunner 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 the campaign trail in the next week after isolating due to mild Corona symptoms. Jen O'Malley Dillon, head of his campaign team, shared this information in an interview with MSNBC. "He's absolutely in it," she said. 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 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 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 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 dropping out of the 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 in Biden's entourage, 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 environment. It is not surprising if Biden soon supports Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, the source added. However, another person close to the President emphasized that he 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 agents.
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, he enters the presidential campaign in an effective way. At the Republican Party convention, Hulk Hogan pays tribute to Donald Trump in a wrestling style.
12:36 Spahn praises Trump's foreign political stances
Union Vice-Fraction Leader Jens Spahn expresses praise for Trump's foreign political positions. Spahn mentioned on MDR approximately his stance on containing China and the existence rights of Israel. The former Federal Health Minister also addressed Trump's announced peace initiative for Ukraine. He said Europeans should "be part of these talks" and should not be content with the spectator role. Spahn emphasized, as an observer at the Republican Party convention, that Trump "is often right politically" externally. "Our Iran policy was wrong in retrospect, his was right. Our policy on Nord Stream 2 was wrong, he had warned." Trump has been urging "for many years" that Europe should do more for its security, said Spahn. "We have kept our eyes closed for too long."
11:52 Communication expert: Trump uses "unusual tones"
With over 90 minutes, Trump delivers the longest nomination speech yet. However, it's not just the "typical campaign with a lot of fake news," says communication expert Christian Galvez, but also "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 most significant aspect. "When you see that people are really clinging to this bond. [...] That's like in Life of Brian," he says in the "Stern" podcast "The Situation." "There's a scene at the end where everyone is chasing after a shoe, or something like that, and it becomes an icon, an object of veneration. It doesn't matter if it's a shoe or a band: Trump is being stylized as a savior, and he styles himself that way too, so the contents are, in my opinion, quite 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 for Ukraine and other US allies. He also 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
Trump actually 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 "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 deviates from the script, chaos ensues
In Milwaukee, Trump told of the assassination attempt against him; he seemed tired, but was then cheered on by delegates and did not always stick to the script - "old tunes come through." NTV reporter Hanna Klouth shares her impressions of Trump's official presidential nomination speech at the Republican Party:
09:15 Trump makes over 20 false claims in speechCNN counts over 20 false claims in Trump's party convention speech. Many of them were previously made by the presidential candidate, some for years. The topics affected 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 included in the speech manuscript.
08:45 Trump obfuscates Taiwan issue in speechChina was mentioned only once by Trump in a national security context in his speech. He said, "The land surrounds Taiwan" - without specifying whether his administration would come to Taiwan's aid if he is re-elected and China attacks the country. Trump has not yet committed on this issue.
You can read about all previous developments [here].**
1. In the realm of US politics, calls for Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election continue, with 37 Democrats and Republicans urging his retirement in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris.
2. The previously mentioned calls for Biden's withdrawal have sparked disagreement within the Democratic Party, with prominent figures like California Representative Zoe Lofgren publicly opposing the idea, citing concerns about the party's chances without Biden.
3. Meanwhile, in the Rust Belt states of Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, attempts to sway voters' decisions in the upcoming election have been underway, with both Democrats and Republicans focusing their efforts on these key battleground states.
4. The fate of the US Intelligence Agency's involvement in security measures for potential political events, such as Donald Trump's rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, remains uncertain following their refusal to comment on the topic.
5. Amidst the heated political climate, there are concerns that the tensions might escalate further, as political scientist Barbara Walter warns of the United States being closer to a civil war than many realize.
6. The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election has already seen extraordinary events, with Donald Trump surviving an assassination attempt during a campaign rally, highlighting the volatile and unpredictable nature of the political landscape in the United States.
