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22:24 Von der Leyen calls Biden with a leaning phone

22:24 Von der Leyen calls Biden with a hang-up

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US President Joe Biden had a phone call. Biden congratulated von der Leyen on her re-election, according to both sides. According to the US administration, the conversation also covered the support for Ukraine and efforts to hold Russia accountable for its aggression. In her post on X, von der Leyen wrote that the EU and the US stand together in Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific region, calling each other “partners, friends, and allies”.

10:11 Doctor updates on Trump’s injury after the attack: “two centimeters wide wound”
US Presidential candidate Donald Trump released a letter from his former doctor about his health condition after the attack. The Texas congressman Ronny Jackson stated that a bullet hit the tip of Trump’s right ear and caused a “two centimeters wide wound”. He added that “there are still recurring bleedings”. Trump has to continue wearing a bandage on his ear. The letter was published by Trump on his platform “Truth Social”.

19:47 Doctor gives update: Biden’s Corona symptoms improving
The symptoms of Covid-19 for US President Joe Biden are improving, according to his doctor. This was stated in an update by Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s doctor, who also mentioned that Biden still has a cough and hoarseness. “His pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature are still absolutely normal”, it reads in the statement released by the White House. “His oxygen saturation is still excellent at room air. His lungs are still clear.” Biden also took his sixth dose of Paxlovid. Dr. O’Connor also stated that Biden tested positive for the BA.2.3 variant. This variant is responsible for approximately one-third of new infections in the US.

19:06 Healing in the USA: Hoping for the best but preparing for the worst
Facing the spectacular turns in the US presidential race, Federal Labor Minister Hubertus Heil sees the race as completely open. “I believe that this election has not yet run its course”, said the SPD politician on his way from Berlin to Washington. Heil did not express a wish for Biden to drop out or seek a second term. However, he has political sympathies, “because we have experienced in the last 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 is: “Hoping for the best but also preparing for the difficult and bad.”

18:30 Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is dead – Biden expresses condolences
The democratic US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is dead at the age of 74. “With profound sadness and deep gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announce today the passing of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee”, the family of the Texas congresswoman wrote on X. US President Biden expressed his condolences in a statement from the White House. “Regardless of the issue, from racial justice to building an economy for working people – she was relentless in her leadership role”, Biden said about the Democrat from the Houston area, who served in the House of Representatives for decades.

19:30 Trump’s Pre-Rally Request: Secret Service Seeks Support

The Secret Service has requested support from the Kent County, Michigan, sheriff’s office, which includes Grand Rapids, for the protection of Donald Trump. This was reported by the “Washington Post.” The Republican presidential candidate is scheduled to hold his first campaign rally in Grand Rapids in the afternoon (local time) with J.D. Vance.

18:50 Another Democrat Calls for Biden to Drop Out

The 36th Democrat, Mark Takano, has called on Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential campaign. Takano, the highest-ranking Democrat on the Veterans Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives, stated in a statement on X that it’s time for Biden to “pass the torch” to Vice President Kamala Harris. In the statement on X, he further wrote, “It has become clear to me that the demands of a modern campaign are best met by the Vice President.” The California representative added, “I love and respect Biden, but there’s too much at stake to fail.”

18:10 Vance Calls for Biden to Retire as President

James D. Vance, the Republican vice presidential candidate, has called on Joe Biden to retire as president instead of giving up his re-election campaign. “If you can’t serve, you shouldn’t run. He should step down,” Vance wrote on X. Biden is increasingly being urged to abandon his candidacy from both Democratic supporters and beyond, with concerns primarily centered on his health condition. So far, the US president has held firm in his campaign.

17:15 Expert: USA Are Closer to Civil War Than We Realize

Political scientist Barbara Walter has renewed her warning that the United States are closer to a civil war “than any of us want to believe.” She fears political instability or violence in the United States for the next one or two decades, which could involve the assassination of politicians and judges and the rise of militias. The reasons, according to the “Frankfurter Rundschau,” are political polarization, cultural tribalism, the acceptance of conspiracy theories, and the availability of weapons in the United States. Walter believes there is a false sense of naivete and innocence in American society, and people mistakenly think the United States are “too good” for such things.

16:35 Sharon Stone on US Election: I’m Deeply Concerned

Hollywood star Sharon Stone expressed concern over the future of her homeland amid the contentious US election. “I’m a proud American. I love my country, and of course, I’m deeply concerned,” the 66-year-old said at the Taormina Film Festival in the eponymous vacation spot on Sicily. This is the first time someone has built a campaign on the basis of hate and suppression, Stone added, without mentioning names. She likely meant former President Donald Trump, who was recently nominated as the Republican Party’s candidate for the upcoming presidential election. Trump has been making controversial statements and escalating his rhetoric on various issues, including immigration, in recent months.

15:45 Man arrested for threats against Trump and Vance A man has been arrested for threats against Donald Trump and his vice president J.D. Vance. The suspect threatened to kill the Republican presidential candidate and Vance, according to the Jupiter Police Department. The man reportedly made these threats on Facebook. The posts also contained threats of bodily harm against the families of the Republicans.

15:05 Trump holds first rally since attack Donald 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 president J.D. Vance. This will be their first joint rally as official Republican presidential candidates. In contrast to his last rally in Butler, the event in Grand Rapids will take place in a hall and not outside. The US intelligence service declined to comment on the security measures for the Grand Rapids rally.

14:22 Expert: “Trump is an extremist” Peter Neumann, leading extremism researcher at King’s College in London, considers Donald Trump an extremist. “He is not willing to accept a lost election. That’s the prerequisite for a democracy to function,” Neumann 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 in relation to the presidential election on November 5, Neumann also stated: “There are 350 million weapons in the USA in private possession. The potential for violence is enormous.” The greatest danger, according to Neumann, is the moment after the election, if Trump were to lose and refuse to accept the result. Neumann can imagine “that there will be a confrontation that could escalate.”

13:45 Democratic strategist: Biden donors in “panic” The donors of Joe Biden are currently in a state of “panic,” says Lindy Li, a Democratic Party strategist, to Sky News. The “blue wall” of the president in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin seems to be “cracking.”

13:13 Author T.C. Boyle: “Trump bears some responsibility for the shootings” US author T.C. Boyle sees Trump and the Republican Party as having some responsibility for the shootings at a Trump rally. “He’s attributing the shots in Pennsylvania to himself,” says the 73-year-old bestselling author to “wochentaz.” The Republicans are “the party of gun nuts.” “They want to get rid of any controls whatsoever. They even want to repeal the laws that currently regulate automatic weapons.” Regarding Biden’s candidacy, Boyle suggests that he might withdraw as a candidate before the presidential election in November. “There are so many great younger, energetic people who could beat Trump,” he says. Among others, he names Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and California Governor Gavin Newsom.

12:39 Hunter: “Michelle Obama is the only one with better values than Trump” Remarks by Thomas Jäger on Biden’s candidacy and the Democrats’ campaign, led by Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama. According to Jäger, there is a “self-destruction of the Democrats” and a “campaign being run by Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama.” Regarding Biden’s candidacy, Jäger states that no one has better chances of defeating Trump than Biden.

12:04 Christie: “He hated what he was saying”Republican politician Chris Christie criticizes Donald Trump’s party convention speech. The US presidential candidate failed to unite the nation, says Christie to ABC. Although Trump showed restraint when speaking about the attack on him, “he hated what he was saying,” according to Christie regarding Trump’s appeal for national “unity.” The former governor of New Jersey Christie is one of the sharpest critics of Trump within the Republican Party.

11:02 Pistorius: Germany would be “even more demanded” after Trump electionGerman Defense Minister Boris Pistorius states that Germany’s military role in Europe would be significant regardless of the outcome of the US presidential election. “Should Donald Trump become US President, the weights within NATO are likely to shift even faster,” Pistorius tells “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 follows Trump speech angry at home – and agitatedIn a lengthy thread on X, US President Joe Biden sharply criticizes Donald Trump’s speech at the Republican National Convention. “Since I’m at home with Covid, I had the misfortune of seeing Donald Trump’s speech before the RNC,” Biden writes, who is currently recovering from a Corona infection. Biden criticizes Trump’s tax policy. “He said he would start with ‘debt forgiveness’ and further lower taxes,” so Biden. “Trump exploded the deficit during his first term, and his tax cut plan would make it even worse in a second term.” Additionally, Biden accused Trump of wanting to be a dictator.

09:41 Historian Snyder: “Trump has chosen the far-right camp”For historian Timothy Snyder, Donald Trump is “entirely responsible” for the violent political climate in the US. He does not believe that the attack on the US presidential candidate could unite the country. With J.D. Vance chosen as his running mate, Trump “has chosen the far-right camp,” says Snyder in an interview with ntv.de. “He cannot 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

Vice President Kamala Harris and her nieces visit Tyra Banks' Pop-up Ice Cream shop in Washington.

08:51 Biden in video: “I’m looking forward to going on the campaign trail”The debate over a possible withdrawal of anally infected US President Joe Biden from the campaign intensifies. Leading Democrats are trying to convince the 81-year-old to withdraw to improve their chances against former President Donald Trump. However, 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 Biden to withdraw from the campaign. In an opinion piece for the “Boston Globe,” he justifies his position with doubts about Biden’s fitness. “I recently 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,” writes Moulton. “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 DemocratsDuring some major donors of President Biden’s campaign holding back their financing, the liberal umbrella organization “America Votes” announced in a press release that they will be spending an additional 40 Million Dollars in the next two weeks. The money will be used to win voters and registrants in five contested states for the Democratic Party, according to the press release. “Our partners know how to beat Trump and Co., because they have done it in three consecutive elections,” Daria Dawson, head of the group, 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 a “competitive” process of an open primary for the nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris as the new democratic presidential candidate in case Biden drops out. This was reported by the “New York Times” citing sources in the California Democratic delegation. During a meeting with the delegation, Pelosi reportedly urged for a Biden withdrawal. With Biden, the Democrats would lose any chance.

04:49 Threats against Trump and Vance: Arrest in FloridaA man was arrested in Florida due to threats against Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump and his endorsed vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance on social media. The authorities were alerted through online tips and information from neighbors, according to a Facebook post by the Jupiter Police Department in the US state of Florida. During the review of his Facebook account, the officers discovered threats against Trump and Vance. Threats against their family members were also identified. The man was taken into custody.

04:03 Report: Biden Angry with PelosiPresident Joe Biden is facing a new round of dissenting 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 reportedly “angry” with Pelosi, who has publicly expressed her support for the US President.

02:45 Trump Supporter Scouted Event Location with DroneThe Trump assassination attempt suspect reportedly scouted the event location with a drone, according to a report by the “Wall Street Journal,” citing law enforcement sources familiar with the matter. The individual was able to take aerial photographs of the event site in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, only a few hours before the attack, the report stated. The findings could raise further questions about whether the event site was adequately secured.

01:39 Prominent Biden Supporter Drops AdvisorReid Hoffman, a prominent Democratic donor and co-founder of LinkedIn, is parting ways with his longtime political advisor Dmitri Mehlhorn. Mehlhorn stated that his views on the future of the Democratic Party have become a “distraction.” The two were the spearhead of the major donors who encouraged the Democrats to rally behind President Biden as their party’s candidate.

00:29 More Democrats call for Biden to withdraw

Representative Gabe Vasquez from New Mexico urges 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 seat in Congress, joins a chorus of other endangered Democrats who have urged the President to withdraw from the race. Today, ten Democrats from the House of Representatives joined the ranks of party members calling on Biden to abandon his campaign.

23:20 Harris tries to reassure major Democratic donors – and fails

Vice President Kamala Harris attempted to calm the nerves of the Democratic Party’s largest donors by informing them during a video call that there was little cause for concern about 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 regarding Biden’s campaign.

22:21 Trump makes first campaign appearance since Capitol attack with VP candidate Vance

A week after the Capitol attack, former US President Donald Trump held his first campaign appearance on Saturday in Grand Rapids, Michigan, alongside his vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance. Trump was nominated as the Republican presidential candidate at the US Republican Party convention and received a triumphant welcome.

21:50 Union foreign policy spokesperson Hardt: We need to adjust to new Republicans

The foreign policy spokesperson for the Union faction, Jürgen Hardt, expects the Republicans, under their presidential candidate, to ideologically realign themselves – regardless of the November election results. Trump’s campaign promises, Hardt considers, are a “wonderful surprise.”

21:23 While calls for Biden’s withdrawal grow louder: Harris enjoys ice cream with Tyra Banks

As calls for US President Joe Biden to withdraw as the Democratic candidate for the US elections in November grow louder, even from within Democratic ranks (see entry 20:56), his potential successor Kamala Harris spends time with her nieces at an ice cream shop. In Washington, D.C., former supermodel Tyra Banks opens a pop-up ice cream shop, “Smize&Dream.” Harris and her two nieces enjoy ice cream served personally by the ex-model.

20:56 Democrats openly call for Biden to withdraw

More and more Democrats are urging US President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race for the US elections in November. In the past few hours, Representative Betty McCollum from Minnesota, Representative Kathy Castor, Representative Zoe Lofgren from California, and Representative Greg Landsman have made statements urging Biden to retire from the campaign. Shortly beforehand, Representatives 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 also spoken out in an open letter, suggesting that Biden “pass the torch to a new generation of democratic leaders.”

20:18 Biden to resume campaign tour next week
US-President Joe Biden announced that he will be back on the campaign trail next week and aims to win the November election. He recently paused due to Corona symptoms. In the past few days, the number of members of the Democratic Party who have called on the 81-year-old to retire and make way for a more promising candidate has increased.

19:33 CNN analyst: These Democrats could beat Trump
If US-President Joe Biden were to decide to retire from his campaign, the Democrats have no reason to worry – they have a women’s duo in the party who could still defeat the likely Republican candidate Donald Trump, according to CNN political analyst Julian Zelizer. Zelizer suggests 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. US Vice President Kamala Harris is being heavily touted as a potential successor to Biden in the US presidential elections in November. Whitmer is one of the rising stars in the Democratic Party. Furthermore, Zelizer sees potential in 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 reportedly discussed scenarios for his withdrawal from the campaign. 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, which were the general consensus during 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 office with dignity. The fact that Biden is even considering withdrawal and discussing potential plans with his family is a new development, according to NBC News.

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 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 concerns of Democrats seriously
US-President Joe Biden, according to his team, will return to the campaign trail next week after his isolation due to mild Corona symptoms. Jen O’Malley Dillon, his campaign team chief, made the announcement on MSNBC. “He’s absolutely in it,” she said in an interview. Biden takes the concerns of some Democrats seriously, but is determined to fight for a second term. In recent days, the pressure on Biden has increased. Many representatives of his Democratic Party have publicly questioned Biden’s physical and mental fitness for a campaign and his chances of winning. Biden has retreated to his house in Delaware due to a Corona infection.

Vice President Kamala Harris (r.) and Michigan's Governor Gretchen Whitmer (l.) at a

15:38 Kamala Harris counters Trump’s unity promises

With 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 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 cannot just claim to stand for the unity of the USA while pursuing an agenda that “robs 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, the ailing US President Joe Biden is now considering withdrawing from the race for the White House. The “New York Times” quotes several sources from Biden’s entourage, who say the 81-year-old is beginning to accept that he cannot win the election against his rival Donald Trump in November. The “New York Times” also reports that sources close to the President are not surprised if Biden soon supports Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate. However, another person close to the President emphasized that Biden has not yet made a decision.

13:50 Attempted assassin informed himself about other mass shooters

The Trump assassin informed himself about another mass 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 an effective way. At the Republican Party 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 approximately 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 an observer at the Republican Party convention, emphasized that Trump “was 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 Communication expert: Trump strikes “unusual notes”

With over 90 minutes, Donald Trump delivers the longest nomination speech to date. However, it is not just “typical campaigning with a ton of fake news,” says communication expert Christian Galvez, but also “unusual notes” for the Republicans.

11:26 Trump Performance reminiscent of “Life of Brian” for security experts

According to security expert Christian Mölling, the content of Trump’s statements at the US Republican Party convention is not the most significant aspect. “If you see that people are really clinging to this association. (…) That’s just like in Life of Brian,” he says in the “Stern” podcast “Die Lage.” “There’s this scene at the end where everyone is chasing after someone, who through mere chance has become an icon, so worthy of adoration. It doesn’t matter if it’s a shoe or a band: Trump is being sanctified and he’s also sanctifying himself, and that’s why the content, I believe, is totally banal.”

10:55 Political scientist on Trump’s calculation: “Arithmetic carries immense risk”

How surprising or expected was Trump’s speech at the Republican Party convention? Thomas Jäger casts a glance at the potential consequences of his announcements regarding Ukraine and other US allies. In addition, the political scientist speculates on whether Biden will still be the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate next week:

10:19 Trump inflicts greater damage than through “ten worst presidents” combined

Trump actually didn’t want to mention Biden in his speech, but he deviated from his script again in this regard. “The damage he has caused to this country is unimaginable,” he said about the incumbent president. When the “ten worst presidents” in US history are totaled up, the damage he caused is not as great as the damage Biden has caused.

09:51 When Trump deviates from the script, chaos ensues

In Milwaukee, Trump spoke about the assassination attempt against him; he looked tired, but was then celebrated by the delegates and didn’t always stick to his script – “old tunes come through.” NTV reporter Hanna Klouth reports on 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 had already 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 had 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 this was not mentioned in the speech manuscript.

08:45 Trump circumvents Taiwan question in speech

China was mentioned only 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 he is reelected and China attacks the country. Trump has not yet committed to a clear position on this issue.

You can read about all previous developments here.**

Christmas Festival 2022 (from left to right): Hunter Biden's son and Biden grandson Beau, next to Biden granddaughter Naomi, First Lady Jill Biden, President Joe Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris with her husband.

1. In light of recent events, the 2024 US Presidency Election in Wisconsin becomes a hot topic among Republicans and Democrats.

2. Midterm elections in Pennsylvania could play a significant role in determining the political landscape, as both parties prepare for the 2024 US Presidency Election.

3. Amid the renewed calls for Joe Biden to step down from the 2024 US Presidency Election, some Democratic Congressional members express their support for his re-election.

4. Despite ongoing attempts by some to push Donald Trump to the sidelines, he continues to maintain a strong presence in Republican politics, eyeing the 2024 US Presidency Election.

5. US Intelligence agencies have reportedly been closely monitoring potential threats connected to the 2024 US Presidency Election, with heightened security measures being implemented.

6. The 2024 US Presidency Election campaign in Wisconsin is shaping up to be a fierce battle between Republican and Democratic candidates, with uncertainties lingering over the outcome.

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