Former President Donald Trump formally accepted the nomination for president in a speech Thursday night at the Republican National Convention, as President Joe Biden faced increasing public calls to step aside as his partys nominee.
It was Trumps first public speech since his assassination attempt last weekend. He described the shooting in detail, saying youll never hear it from me a second time, because its too painful to tell, and thanking Secret Service agents for helping him in the immediate aftermath.
Meanwhile, more Democrats are, both publicly and privately, expressing concern about Bidens nomination. Biden, who is isolating in Delaware after testing positive for COVID-19, has had private conversations with several congressional leaders who have urged him to exit the presidential race, citing polls showing him trailing Trump.
See our previous reporting on the 2024 election here and scroll down for the latest updates.
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Biden Is Recovering From COVID As The Debate Over His Fitness Continues. Catch Up Here.
- Biden is expected to return to the campaign trail next week after a bout with COVID-19 kept him sidelined.
- Members of his party, including longtime allies, have been either explicitly calling on him to let someone younger lead the Democratic Party ticket or urging him to seriously reconsider his bid.
- More than 30 Democratic lawmakers in Congress now say Biden should drop out of the race. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and three other senators are among them.
- Trump formally accepted the Republican Party's presidential nomination Thursday, giving a speech that detailed the attempt on his life last weekend. The speech was also filled with his usual divisive political messages, despite his partys calls for unity.
- Trump scheduled another rally this time in Michigan exactly one week after the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. His newly anointed running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), will be there.
- More details on Trumps 20-year-old would-be assassin have emerged in recent days. His precise motives remain unclear .
Joe Biden Endorses Kamala Harris To Replace Him As Nominee
Shortly after dropping out, Biden endorsed Harris as Democratic nominee for president.
My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President, he said in a statement. And its been the best decision Ive made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats its time to come together and beat Trump.
My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President, he said in a statement. And its been the best decision Ive made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats its time to come together and beat Trump.
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President Joe Biden Officially Drops Out Of Race
Biden said on Sunday that he will "stand down" from running for reelection,clearing the way for a new Democratic candidate amid a tidal wave of concerns about his age and ability to challenge Trump in November.
It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President, he said in a letter posted to X .
And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.
Read more details here .
It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President, he said in a letter posted to X .
And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.
Read more details here .
Joe Bidens Doctor Says COVID-19 Symptoms Improved Significantly
In a letter released Sunday , Bidens doctor said that the presidents COVID-19 symptoms have drastically improved since he first tested positive several days earlier.
President Biden completed his eighth dose of PAXLOVID this morning, Dr. Kevin OConnor wrote, adding that he continues to tolerate the treatment without any difficulty.
His symptoms have improved significantly, the doctor continued. His pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate and temperature remain absolutely normal. His oxygen saturation continues to be excellent on room air. His lungs remain clear.
Biden continues to perform all of his presidential duties, according to the doctor. The president had to pause in-person campaign events to isolate in his Delaware home after testing positive and showing symptoms.
President Biden completed his eighth dose of PAXLOVID this morning, Dr. Kevin OConnor wrote, adding that he continues to tolerate the treatment without any difficulty.
His symptoms have improved significantly, the doctor continued. His pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate and temperature remain absolutely normal. His oxygen saturation continues to be excellent on room air. His lungs remain clear.
Biden continues to perform all of his presidential duties, according to the doctor. The president had to pause in-person campaign events to isolate in his Delaware home after testing positive and showing symptoms.
Donald Trump Raised More Money In Second Quarter Than Joe Biden
Former President Donald Trump raised $431.2 million between April and June from fundraising groups, while President Joe Biden raised $332.4 million, a whopping $98.9 million less than Trump.
The numbers came from a Financial Times analysis of federal campaign data, and it showed that Trumps felony conviction in May helped him raise a lot of cash as hes running for reelection in 2024. Prior to his conviction, Trump was trailing Biden in fundraising. Bidens fundraising, however, took a nosedive after his weak performance in the June debate.
The numbers came from a Financial Times analysis of federal campaign data, and it showed that Trumps felony conviction in May helped him raise a lot of cash as hes running for reelection in 2024. Prior to his conviction, Trump was trailing Biden in fundraising. Bidens fundraising, however, took a nosedive after his weak performance in the June debate.
Manchin Calls On Biden To 'Pass The Torch'
Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia called this morning for President Joe Biden to step aside as the Democratic nominee for president.
Manchin, the former Democrat who earlier this year changed his party affiliation to independent, praised Biden's legacy on ABC's "This Week" but said, "I come with a heavy heart to think the time has come for him to pass the torch to a new generation."
The senator made similar comments on CNN's "State of the Union."
The senator's remarks add to the growing pressure on Biden to end his reelection campaign.
Manchin, the former Democrat who earlier this year changed his party affiliation to independent, praised Biden's legacy on ABC's "This Week" but said, "I come with a heavy heart to think the time has come for him to pass the torch to a new generation."
The senator made similar comments on CNN's "State of the Union."
The senator's remarks add to the growing pressure on Biden to end his reelection campaign.
Trump: 'I Took A Bullet For Democracy'
During the Michigan rally on Saturday, Trump brought up his attempted assassination from last weekend twice, saying that he shouldnt be here following the shooting.
Later, he said, "Last week, I took a bullet for democracy. What did I do against democracy?"
At one point the former president recalled how he turned his head to a screen displaying a chart on southern border crossings at the exact moment a bullet grazed his right ear. I owe immigration my life, he said.
Later, he said, "Last week, I took a bullet for democracy. What did I do against democracy?"
At one point the former president recalled how he turned his head to a screen displaying a chart on southern border crossings at the exact moment a bullet grazed his right ear. I owe immigration my life, he said.
Trump Again Promises Largest Deportation Operation In U.S. History
If elected, Trump said once again he would follow through on plans to deport millions of immigrants.
We have to do a big deportation, get them the hell out, Trump told the Michigan rally crowd. We will begin the largest deportation operation in the history of our country, even larger than that of president Dwight D. Eisenhower many years ago.
Trump was referring to Eisenhowers 1954 program that saw Border Patrol use military-style tactics to deport more than 1 million Mexican immigrants. The program was named after a racist slur for Mexicans.
During his speech at Thursday nights Republican National Convention, Trump also boasted he would deport more immigrants than Eisenhower.
Mass deportations have become a focal point for Trumps campaign, and in March he said he would give local officers power and immunity to carry out his plan.
We have to do a big deportation, get them the hell out, Trump told the Michigan rally crowd. We will begin the largest deportation operation in the history of our country, even larger than that of president Dwight D. Eisenhower many years ago.
Trump was referring to Eisenhowers 1954 program that saw Border Patrol use military-style tactics to deport more than 1 million Mexican immigrants. The program was named after a racist slur for Mexicans.
During his speech at Thursday nights Republican National Convention, Trump also boasted he would deport more immigrants than Eisenhower.
Mass deportations have become a focal point for Trumps campaign, and in March he said he would give local officers power and immunity to carry out his plan.
Trump Thanks Elon Musk For Giving Him 45 Million Dollars A Month
Trump praised tech billionaire Elon Musk after Musk endorsed the Republican presidential candidate earlier this week, and thanked the mogul for his support, following reports that Musk created a super PAC to pledge $45 million a month to the Trump campaign.
But Elon endorsed me the other day, and I read -- I didnt even know this -- he didnt even tell me about it, but he gives me 45 million dollars a month, Trump said. A month! Not 45 million -- gives me 45 million a month!
The new PAC is led in part by Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale and is supported by the Winklevoss twins, billionaire venture capitalist Doug Leone and tech founder John Hering, The New York Times first reported Monday .
On Thursday, Musk downplayed his financial support of the Trump campaign.
I have not pledged anything to anyone! Musk wrote on X. I did create a PAC that is focused on supporting candidates who favor a meritocracy and personal freedom, but funding to date has been far below that level.
But Elon endorsed me the other day, and I read -- I didnt even know this -- he didnt even tell me about it, but he gives me 45 million dollars a month, Trump said. A month! Not 45 million -- gives me 45 million a month!
The new PAC is led in part by Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale and is supported by the Winklevoss twins, billionaire venture capitalist Doug Leone and tech founder John Hering, The New York Times first reported Monday .
On Thursday, Musk downplayed his financial support of the Trump campaign.
I have not pledged anything to anyone! Musk wrote on X. I did create a PAC that is focused on supporting candidates who favor a meritocracy and personal freedom, but funding to date has been far below that level.
Vance Takes Dig At Harris During First Joint Rally With Trump
Shortly before Trump took the stage at Saturday's rally in Michigan, his running mate, JD Vance took a jab at Vice President Kamala Harris.
What has she done other than collect a check from her political offices? he told the crowd on Saturday. She did serve as border czar during the biggest disaster, open borders, we ever had in this country.
He continued: Lets get President Trump back there, close back that border, and bring some common sense and security to this country.
Trumps campaign is reportedly preparing major attacks on Harris in the case that Joe Biden drops out of the presidential race, presuming that she would be the nominee in place of him.
According to The New York Times , Trumps team has prepared opposition research books on Harris, along with other Democrats who could possibly replace Biden if he were to withdraw.
What has she done other than collect a check from her political offices? he told the crowd on Saturday. She did serve as border czar during the biggest disaster, open borders, we ever had in this country.
He continued: Lets get President Trump back there, close back that border, and bring some common sense and security to this country.
Trumps campaign is reportedly preparing major attacks on Harris in the case that Joe Biden drops out of the presidential race, presuming that she would be the nominee in place of him.
According to The New York Times , Trumps team has prepared opposition research books on Harris, along with other Democrats who could possibly replace Biden if he were to withdraw.
Trump Distances Himself From Project 2025: Seriously Extreme
At a campaign rally in Michigan, Trump once again distanced himself from Project 2025, a more than 900-page authoritarian playbook created by former Trump White House advisers and current campaign aides.
Im a person with great common sense, Im not an extremist at all, Trump told the crowd. Like some on the right -- severe right -- came up with this 'Project 25,' and I dont even know.
Trump acknowledged he knows some of those who worked on the playbook for a possible second Trump term.
Theyre sort of the opposite of the radical left, OK, Trump said of his own former White House advisers. You have the radical left, and you have the radical right.
The agenda endorses policies that would transform the U.S. government -- giving Trump the ability to fire tens of thousands of civil servants to replace them with Trump loyalists, for instance.
I read some of the things and they are extreme, theyre seriously extreme, he said. But I dont know anything about it, I dont want to know anything about it.
Im a person with great common sense, Im not an extremist at all, Trump told the crowd. Like some on the right -- severe right -- came up with this 'Project 25,' and I dont even know.
Trump acknowledged he knows some of those who worked on the playbook for a possible second Trump term.
Theyre sort of the opposite of the radical left, OK, Trump said of his own former White House advisers. You have the radical left, and you have the radical right.
The agenda endorses policies that would transform the U.S. government -- giving Trump the ability to fire tens of thousands of civil servants to replace them with Trump loyalists, for instance.
I read some of the things and they are extreme, theyre seriously extreme, he said. But I dont know anything about it, I dont want to know anything about it.
Trump Speaks At First Rally After Assassination Attempt
The former president took the stage Saturday evening in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He swiftly addressed last weekends shooting, saying he shouldnt be here but that something very special happened.
And he touched on the big, beautiful four-day love fest that was the Republican National Convention, once again suggesting he would win the state of Wisconsin because the GOP spent $250 million to hold the convention on in Milwaukee.
Trump then launched into what have become his most frequent talking points. He called Democrats a "threat to democracy" and repeatedly attacked the reporters in the audience, prompting jeers from his fans.
The former president was missing the large white bandage he sported throughout the RNC. Instead, a small nude-colored bandage covered the tip of his ear.
And he touched on the big, beautiful four-day love fest that was the Republican National Convention, once again suggesting he would win the state of Wisconsin because the GOP spent $250 million to hold the convention on in Milwaukee.
Trump then launched into what have become his most frequent talking points. He called Democrats a "threat to democracy" and repeatedly attacked the reporters in the audience, prompting jeers from his fans.
The former president was missing the large white bandage he sported throughout the RNC. Instead, a small nude-colored bandage covered the tip of his ear.
Harris Event Raises Double Expected Amount In Massachusetts
Vice President Kamala Harris addressed a crowd in Provincetown, Massachusetts, on Saturday after one of the co-hosts, Bryan Rafanelli, announced the event had raised $2 million double the expected amount. Around 1,000 people had showed up, he said.
Rafanelli touted Harris and Bidens support for LGBTQ causes before the vice president came onstage, saying, If we do not win this election, we will be fighting for a lot more than marriage equality. We will be fighting for our right to exist.
In her remarks, Harris touted Biden as the candidate to beat Trump and mocked Trumps post-shooting calls for unity.
If you claim to stand for unity, then you need to know it's more than just a word, Harris said, as people in the crowd waved paddles reading VEEPTOWN. She skewered Trumps running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), saying that he would undoubtedly be a rubber stamp for Trumps extremist anti-LGBTQ agenda.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also addressed the crowd in Provincetown, which is known for its significant LGBTQ community. Buttigiegs husband, Chasten, was also on hand, alongside actors Jennifer Coolidge, Billy Porter and Darren Criss.
Rafanelli touted Harris and Bidens support for LGBTQ causes before the vice president came onstage, saying, If we do not win this election, we will be fighting for a lot more than marriage equality. We will be fighting for our right to exist.
In her remarks, Harris touted Biden as the candidate to beat Trump and mocked Trumps post-shooting calls for unity.
If you claim to stand for unity, then you need to know it's more than just a word, Harris said, as people in the crowd waved paddles reading VEEPTOWN. She skewered Trumps running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), saying that he would undoubtedly be a rubber stamp for Trumps extremist anti-LGBTQ agenda.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also addressed the crowd in Provincetown, which is known for its significant LGBTQ community. Buttigiegs husband, Chasten, was also on hand, alongside actors Jennifer Coolidge, Billy Porter and Darren Criss.
Former White House Physician Gives Update On Trump's Gunshot Wound
Rep. Ronny L. Jackson (R-Texas), Donald Trump's former White House physician , provided an update on Trumps health and the gunshot wound he received last week during an assassination attempt.
In a statement obtained by the Guardian and other outlets, Jackson said that the former president suffered a 2 cm wide wound that extended to the cartilaginous surface of his right ear from the bullet, which had come less than a quarter of an inch away from his entering his head. No sutures were required, the statement read, but the wound still requires dressing due to intermittent bleeding.
Jackson, a former rear admiral, is known for his fawning reports on Trump's health. He was investigated by the Pentagon and subsequently demoted in 2022 for his conduct in the White House medical unit.
In a statement obtained by the Guardian and other outlets, Jackson said that the former president suffered a 2 cm wide wound that extended to the cartilaginous surface of his right ear from the bullet, which had come less than a quarter of an inch away from his entering his head. No sutures were required, the statement read, but the wound still requires dressing due to intermittent bleeding.
Jackson, a former rear admiral, is known for his fawning reports on Trump's health. He was investigated by the Pentagon and subsequently demoted in 2022 for his conduct in the White House medical unit.
Reports Indicate Biden Is Frustrated, Angry Behind The Scenes
New reports are providing insight into Bidens state of mind as he recovers from COVID-19 at his Rehoboth Beach home in Delaware.
According to The New York Times , Biden resents what he sees as an orchestrated effort to push him off the ticket, and is irritated that once-close allies like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former President Barack Obama have not aided him in recent days. Biden reportedly sees Pelosi as the main instigator, per the Times.
CBS News reporter Robert Costa said on social media that he had heard very similar sentiments from unnamed sources close to the president.
NBC News reported earlier this week that Biden has been feeling personally hurt by the party turmoil, even though many of the people calling on him to step aside have simultaneously praised his lifetime of public service and his policy record.
According to The New York Times , Biden resents what he sees as an orchestrated effort to push him off the ticket, and is irritated that once-close allies like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former President Barack Obama have not aided him in recent days. Biden reportedly sees Pelosi as the main instigator, per the Times.
CBS News reporter Robert Costa said on social media that he had heard very similar sentiments from unnamed sources close to the president.
NBC News reported earlier this week that Biden has been feeling personally hurt by the party turmoil, even though many of the people calling on him to step aside have simultaneously praised his lifetime of public service and his policy record.
Rep. Mark Takano Calls On Biden To Drop Out Of Race
Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) has become the latest lawmaker to call on Biden to drop out of the 2024 race, saying the president should "pass the torch" to Vice President Kamala Harris.
"President Biden's greatest accomplishment remains saving democracy in 2020," Takano said in a statement Saturday. "He can and must do so again in 2024 by passing the torch to Vice President Harris as the Democratic Party Presidential nominee."
Takano said Harris can "seamlessly transition into the role of our partys standard bearer."
"Joe, I love and respect you," Takano said. "But the stakes are too high to fail. Its time to pass the torch to Kamala."
"President Biden's greatest accomplishment remains saving democracy in 2020," Takano said in a statement Saturday. "He can and must do so again in 2024 by passing the torch to Vice President Harris as the Democratic Party Presidential nominee."
Takano said Harris can "seamlessly transition into the role of our partys standard bearer."
"Joe, I love and respect you," Takano said. "But the stakes are too high to fail. Its time to pass the torch to Kamala."
Warren Talks Up Harris As Potential Presidential Nominee While Declining To Take Sides
Asked to respond to points that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) made about the perils of removing Biden from the Democratic ticket, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sought to send a message of reassurance. Warren has not staked out a solid position one way or the other, saying Saturday on MSNBC that Biden "is our nominee" and "has a really big decision to make" about whether to continue.
"What gives me a lot of hope right now is that, if President Biden decides to step back, we have Vice President Kamala Harris, who is ready to step up, to unite the party, to take on Donald Trump and to win in November," Warren told MSNBC. She recalled working with Harris on her progressive Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which sought to fight back against predatory loans and financial schemes.
"If you're running against a convicted felon, then a prosecutor like Kamala is really a good person to make that case," Warren said. "No matter what happens, I will be out there, fighting for Democrats."
"What gives me a lot of hope right now is that, if President Biden decides to step back, we have Vice President Kamala Harris, who is ready to step up, to unite the party, to take on Donald Trump and to win in November," Warren told MSNBC. She recalled working with Harris on her progressive Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which sought to fight back against predatory loans and financial schemes.
"If you're running against a convicted felon, then a prosecutor like Kamala is really a good person to make that case," Warren said. "No matter what happens, I will be out there, fighting for Democrats."
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