Trump and Harris squabbling over presidential debate details

The debate over a Trump-Harris debate continues. There are new doubts about whether Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will face each other before the November election. The former president says he’s pulling out of a scheduled September 10th debate that he had with Joe Biden. Vice President Harris agreed to that ABC debate, but Trump now say he’ll appear on Fox News a week earlier. The Harris campaign says Trump “is running scared and trying to back out.”

Kamala Harris to visit battleground states with running mate

Once Kamala Harris chooses a running mate, the Democratic ticket will barnstorm the battleground states this week. Starting Tuesday, Harris and her vice presidential pick will kick off a week-long campaign trip visiting the states that likely will determine the outcome of the 2024 election. The Democratic ticket will debut in Philadelphia on Tuesday, where Pennsylvania is crucial to both campaigns. Then, they’ll visit Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada.

Freed Americans return to U.S. and emotional welcome

President Biden welcomed home three Americans who were freed from Russia in a multi-nation prisoner swap. After winning their freedom during a prisoner exchange in Turkey, Americans Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva and Paul Whelan were reunited with their families here at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington. One by one They were greeted and hugged by President Biden and Vice President Harris as they stepped off the plane late Thursday night. The long-awaited news of their release from Russia turned into a joyous family reunion here on the tarmac.

Biden on freed Americans: their brutal ordeal is over

President Biden is celebrating a prisoner swap that has freed four American hostages. Joined by relatives of the freed Americans in the White House State Dining Room, the president announced Russia’s release of Americans Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza. Mr. Biden called the release an “incredible relief” for the families and a feat of diplomacy. He praised the cooperation of several countries, emphasizing the key role played by Germany.

Trump sends mixed signals about debate with Harris

Donald Trump is sending mixed signals about a presidential debate with Kamala Harris. It’s unclear if Trump will face Vice President Harris in a debate, although he said he “probably” will. He had agreed to a September 10 debate with Joe Biden before the president dropped out of the race, but is now questioning the terms of that agreement. Pressed during a Fox News interview if he will debate Harris, the former president said, “The answer is yes, but I can also make a case for not doing it.”

U.S. condemns Hezbollah attack on Israel, urges diplomacy

The United States is cautioning Israel about escalation with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah. The urging from U-S officials comes as Israel weighs its response to a weekend rocket attack from Lebanon that killed 12 young people in Israel. White House national security spokesman John Kirby says the attack was conducted by Lebanese Hezbollah. He says the U-S backs Israel’s security and continues to support efforts to reach a diplomatic solution.

No more Mr. Nice Guy on the 2024 campaign trail

It’s no more Mr. Nice Guy in the 2024 presidential race. At the GOP convention following the assassination attempt on his life, Donald Trump tried delivering a message of unity. But that has changed. He told a rally last week that he’s “not going to be nice” in this campaign. Trump describes Kamala Harris as an extreme liberal who’s weak on crime and the border. And the vice president is holding back either. She is calling Trump a predator, a fraud. and a cheater.

Trump campaign expected Harris “honeymoon”

The Trump campaign is bracing for a “Harris Honeymoon” in the newly defined presidential race. Vice President Harris has received lots of media attention, fundraising dollars, and a bump in the polls since becoming a candidate last week. And the Trump campaign is not surprised. Trump pollster Tony Fabrizio said he predicted a “Harris Honeymoon.” But in a memo to the former president’s team, he said the “‘honeymoon’ will end” soon and that changing candidates doesn’t change voter discontent over the economy, inflation, crime, and immigration.

Netanyahu holds White House talks on possible cease-fire

Israel’s prime minister met with both President Biden and Vice President Harris to discuss a possible cease-fire deal in the Gaza War. The talks centered on the war amid growing pressure in Israel and the U-S to stop the fighting after more than nine months, and to bring dozens of hostages home. White House national security spokesman John Kirby says Israel and Hamas are close to a deal, but gaps remain. After visits to Congress and the White House, Netanyahu will meet with Donald Trump on Friday.

Trump and Harris are debating about a presidential debate

Donald Trump and Vice President Harris are debating about a presidential debate. Both candidates say they’re willing to face off against each other, but so far they disagree on the details. The vice president accuses Trump of “backpedaling” away from a previous agreement for a debate hosted by ABC News on September 10. Trump said he’s “absolutely willing” to debate Harris more than once, but prefers a more conservative media outlet like Fox News to host. Fox News has proposed a debate for September 17th.

Biden, Harris to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu

President Biden will host Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for talks at the White House. A day after addressing a Joint Meeting of Congress, the Israeli leader sits down with the president to discuss progress towards a ceasefire in Gaza and a hostage release. The U-S has supported Israel since it was attacked by Hamas last October, but the Biden administration has expressed frustration with Israel’s military strategy. Vice President Kamala Harris will meet separately with Netanyahu. He will also meet with Donald Trump in Florida tomorrow.

President Biden has no plans on being a lame duck

President Biden has no plans on being a lame duck during his remaining months in office. The president is out of the 2024 race, but he said there’s more work to do, including the defense of abortion rights and proposing Supreme Court reform. Mr. Biden used an Oval Office address to explain he’s “passing the torch to a new generation” after succumbing to Democratic pressure to step aside.

Biden: time “to pass the torch to a new generation”

President Biden says that it’s time to “pass the torch to a new generation” of leaders. Speaking from the Oval Office three days after ending his reelection bid, the president said he believes his record merited a second term. But “nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. And that includes person ambition.” Mr. Biden did not mention any of the political pressure from Democrats to step aside or confront any questions about his health. Instead, he promised to keep working and he expressed his gratitude to the American people. “It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your president,” he said.

In fiery speech to Congress, Israel’s prime minister vows “total victory”

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu delivered a fiery speech to Congress and vowed to defeat Hamas terrorists. After more than nine months of the Israel-Hamas War, a combative Netanyahu vowed “total victory” against Hamas and condemned American opponents of the war in Gaza. And he emphasized the importance of the U-S-Israeli alliance, saying “America and Israel must stand together.” Outside the U.S. Capitol, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated and clashed with police. Netanyahu will meet with President Biden and Vice President Harris on Thursday.

Biden to discuss his departure from 2024 race

President Biden will address the nation tonight about his decision not to seek a second term. On Sunday, the president posted a letter online announcing that he was dropping out of the 2024 race. Tonight, in a speech from the Oval Office he will explain to the country more about his historic decision, which has upended the presidential race. The address will also be forward-looking. In a White House statement, the president said he will use the primetime address to talk about “what lies ahead, and how [he] will finish the job for the American people.” GC

Harris takes on Trump in first presidential campaign rally

Vice President Harris took on Donald Trump during her first campaign rally as the Democrats’ presumptive nominee. Harris rallied supporters in Milwaukee, just days after the GOP convention wrapped up in the same city. She didn’t shy away from confronting the former president. As a former prosecutor, she said she’s taken on predators, fraudsters, and cheaters in the past. “So here me when I say, I know Donald Trump’s type,” she said.” And Harris said she’s ready to defend her record.

Biden to discuss ending reelection bid in Oval Office address

President Biden to appoint new Secret Service director “soon”

President Biden is reacting to the resignation of the director of the U.S. Secret Service. The president, who had expressed support for Kimberly Cheatle after the Trump assassination attempt, issued a written statement thanking her for her public service. He said the independent review into the Trump rally security lapse will continue. Mr. Biden said “we all know what happened that day can never happen again.” And the president plans to appoint a new director of the Secret Service soon.

Secret Service director resigns after Trump assassination attempt

The director of the Secret Service is stepping down from her job. In the face of bipartisan opposition, Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle submitted her resignation ten days after the assassination attempt against former President Trump. In an email to staff, Cheatle said she takes “full responsibility for the security lapse.” Her resignation came on the heels of Monday’s congressional committee hearing, where she was berated for hours by both Democrats and Republicans for the security failures. President Biden said he plans to appoint a new director “soon.”

Harris secures delegates, raises record amounts of cash

Harris praises Biden’s legacy a day after he withdraws from race

Vice President Harris praised President Biden in her first public appearance since he dropped out of the race.  At a White House celebration for NCAA championship teams, Harris paid tribute to the president. She said “in one term, he has already surpassed the legacy of most presidents who served two terms in office.” Harris is gathering support and endorsements to be the Democratic presidential nominee following Biden’s decision to end his campaign.

Both presidential campaigns are in scrambling mode

Both presidential campaigns are scrambling after President Biden announced he’s dropping out of the race. For the Democrats, they have no time to spare if they hope to compete against an energized GOP. With their convention starting in four weeks, they must refocus an entire campaign apparatus around a new presidential ticket and organize the ground game to get out the vote. The Trump campaign faces its own challenge. After focusing its attacks on Joe Biden, the former president’s team must adjust its strategy heading into the final three-and-a-half months of campaigning.

Dems quickly rally around VP Harris after Biden exits race

Democrats quickly rallied around Vice President Harris after Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign.
Endorsements for Harris came pouring in after President Biden offered his full support for the vice president. She received backing from Bill and Hillary Clinton, prominent U.S. senators and House members, and all 50 Democratic state party chairs. Harris also received endorsements from possible contenders for the nomination, including Governors Gavin Newsom, Josh Shapiro, and Roy Cooper. Still, there’s uncertainty about how the process will play out ahead of the Democrats’ convention.

Trump: Biden is “the worst president” in U.S. history

Donald Trump is calling Joe Biden the “worst president” in American history. Reacting to President Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 White House race, the former president said Biden “was not fit to run for president, and is certainly not fit to serve.” Trump went on to blame Biden’s inner circle for hiding, what he described as, the president’s “total mental, physical, and cognitive demise.” Looking ahead, Trump said “whoever the left puts up now will just be more of the same.”