Joe Biden is readying himself for a rally in Wisconsin and a major interview with ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos to be broadcast on Friday evening that he hopes will reset his 2024 campaign and reassure voters over his fitness for office after his disastrous debate performance in Atlanta last week.
Donald Trump has meanwhile issued a withering attack on the president and Kamala Harris, calling his rival “highly incapable” and saying he “choked like a dog” during the debate while mocking Biden for blaming his poor performance on exhaustion and having a cold.
Turning his attention to the vice president — who is being tipped to succeed the president as the 2024 Democratic nominee — by calling her “Laffin Kamala Harris”, a new nickname alluding to her infectious chuckle.
“She did poorly in the Democrat Nominating process, starting out at Number Two, and ending up defeated and dropping out, even before getting to Iowa, but that doesn’t mean she’s not a “highly talented” politician!” the presumptive Republican nominee crowed on his Truth Social platform.
In a second post, Trump challenged Biden to “another Debate, but this time, no holds barred”, despite one already being scheduled for September 10 on ABC.
Key Points
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Biden braces for crucial post-debate interview as Trump attacks ‘Liddle’ George Stephanopoulos
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Trump lands Harris with new nickname and says Biden ‘choked like a dog’ in Fourth of July message
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Republican challenges president to ‘no holds barred’ second debate
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Biden uses Independence Day to blast Trump for turning US ‘into monarchy’
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Golf cart video reveals Trump saying ‘broken down pile of c***’ Biden is ‘quitting’ White House race
Just in: Trump uses Clarence Thomas’s argument in the immunity ruling to try to toss Jack Smith from the Mar-a-Lago case
19:39 , Alex Woodward
Days after Justice Thomas went rogue and lashed out at special counsel Jack Smith in the Supreme Court’s presidential immunity ruling, Trump’s attorneys directed the federal judge overseeing his Mar-a-Lago case to his words.
In a court filing on Friday, Trump’s attorneys claim that Thomas’s argument “adds force” to Trump’s claim that Smith’s appointment and funding is unconstitutional, by highlighting “grave separation-of-powers concerns” in the special counsel’s role.
Last month, Judge Aileen Cannon heard arguments from attorneys over whether the case should be dismissed based on their claims that Smith is unlawfully presiding over the case against the former president.
None of the Supreme Court justices have ruled on that, though Thomas seems open to it. He wasn’t joined by any other justices in his concurring opinion in the immunity case.
More here:
Clarence Thomas just gave Trump ammunition in his classified documents case
Massachusetts governor nudges Biden to the exits
19:25 , Alex Woodward
Two days after Biden met with a group of Democratic governors from across the country, Maura Healey of Massachusetts appears to be the first to suggest that the president should heed the advice of voters concerned about his chances against Trump.
“President Biden saved our democracy in 2020 and has done an outstanding job over the last four years. I am deeply grateful for his leadership. And I know he agrees this is the most important election of our lifetimes,” she said in a statement on Friday.
“Over the coming days, I urge him to listen to the American people and carefully evaluate whether he remains our best hope to defeat Donald Trump,” she added. “Whatever President Biden decides, I am committed to doing everything in my power to defeat Donald Trump.”
Biden is due to speak in Wisconsin
19:18 , Alex Woodward
President Biden will soon deliver remarks at a campaign rally in Wisconsin, hours before his interview on ABC is set to air during a make-or-break peroid of his re-election bid.
Watch here:
Just in: Biden speaks with Keir Starmer
19:06 , Alex Woodward
President Joe Biden spoke with Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday to “congratulate him on his appointment” after Thursday’s elections, according to a White House readout of their call.
The leaders “reaffirmed the special relationship between our nations and the importance of working together in support of freedom and democracy around the world,” includnig support for Ukraine, affirmation of the Belfast/Good Friday agreement, and working with Northern Ireland leaders “to create and sustain economic growth and opportunities.”
Starmer will meet with Biden at the Washington Summit next week to celebrate NATO’s 75th anniversary, according to the White House.
“Congratulations to Prime Minister Keir Starmer on becoming Prime Minister of the United Kingdom,” the president wrote on social media. “I look forward to our shared work in support of freedom and democracy around the world, and to further strengthening the special relationship between our two countries.”
Congratulations to Prime Minister Keir Starmer on becoming Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
I look forward to our shared work in support of freedom and democracy around the world, and to further strengthening the special relationship between our two countries.
— President Biden (@POTUS) July 5, 2024
Coconut pilled
19:00 , Alex Woodward
Voters are coconut-pilled, Kamala maxxing, “existing in context” and “unburdened by what has been.”
A flood of only-slightly-ironic KHive revival memes are welcoming a President Harris should Biden drop out of the race.
Kamala Harris memes are resurrecting the KHive across social media
Trump tries to distance himself from Project 2025
18:05 , Alex Woodward
Trump is now trying to distance himself from Project 2025, the blueprint for his administration drawn up by his own former officials and backed by the Republican-aligned Heritage Foundation.
The plan is a 900-page manifesto for every detail of a second Trump White House. Last week, the Heritage Foundation’s president hailed a Supreme Court decision granting Trump some immunity from criminal prosecution as part of a “second” American revolution that he says may or may not be “bloodless.”
Today, Trump says “I know nothing about Project 2025.”
“I have no idea who is behind it,” he wrote on Truth Social. “I disagree with some of the things they’re saying and some of the things they’re saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal. Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s own PAC is running ads promoting Project 2025.
Trump issues ‘no holds barred’ debate challenge to Biden
17:52 , Alex Woodward
Trump is challenging Biden to a “no holds barred” debate while the White House and the Democratic officials scramble to respond to the president’s flailing performance at their first 2024 matchup last week.
“I have the answer to the Crooked Joe Biden Incompetence Puzzle — Let’s do another Debate, but this time, no holds barred,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social during the Fourth of July holiday.
Trump issues ‘no holds barred’ debate challenge to Biden
Six other presidents didn’t run for another term. Here’s what happened
17:30 , Joe Sommerlad
Lyndon Johnson, Harry Truman, Calvin Coolidge, Rutherford B Hayes, James Buchanan and James K Polk…
Gustaf Kilander breaks down what happened when other American presidents chose to bow out early.
Six other presidents didn’t run for another term. Here’s what happened then
Morning Joe takes jabs at Trump over UK election: ‘This is called a peaceful transfer of power’
17:00 , Joe Sommerlad
The ease with which the keys to 10 Downing Street were passed from Rishi Sunak to Sir Keir Starmer, without any quibbling about “rigged” voting machines or armed insurrections, inspired Joe Scarborough to launch a fresh attack on Donald Trump this morning.
Kelly Rissman has this report on what the Morning Joe host had to say.
Morning Joe takes jabs at Trump after UK election’s peaceful transfer of power
‘Mr Gorbachev, tear down this coconut tree!’ Kamala memes explode amid Biden anxiety
16:35 , Joe Sommerlad
Alex Woodward surveys a resurgent “KHive”, the irony-poisoned jokers and exhausted voters who are only semi-ironically calling for a President Harris to take the stage before it’s too late.
Confused? Just remember you exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you.
Or, you know, just watch this joyous thread.
Fan cams and coconut trees: Kamala Harris memes are resurrecting the KHive
Democratic donors push to raise $100m to back new candidate as calls for Biden to step aside mount
16:15 , Joe Sommerlad
Some Democratic donors are attempting to raise $100 million to back a new candidate as calls for President Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential race grow ever louder.
Here’s Gustaf Kilander’s report.
Democratic donors push to raise $100million to back new candidate
RFK Jr: ‘As president I won’t take sides on 9/11’
15:55 , Joe Sommerlad
I… I mean… I can’t… I… What?
My take on 9/11: It’s hard to tell what is a conspiracy theory and what isn’t. But conspiracy theories flourish when the government routinely lies to the public. As President I won’t take sides on 9/11 or any of the other debates. But I can promise is that I will open the files…
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) July 5, 2024
Recap: Trump lashes out at ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos ahead of Biden’s make-or-break interview
15:35 , Joe Sommerlad
If you missed this one earlier, James Liddell has more on the Republican attempting to discredit the respected journalist ahead of his big sit-down with Biden this evening, which the president hopes will revive his beleagured campaign and put voters’ minds at rest about his wellbeing.
Trump lashes out at ABC News anchor ahead of Biden’s make-or-break interview
President Biden to speak with Starmer after Labour’s landslide election victory
15:15 , Joe Sommerlad
A source familiar with President Joe Biden’s schedule tells The Independent that he is set to speak with Britain’s new prime minister Sir Keir Starmer by phone today to congratulate him on his party’s victory in yesterday’s general election.
Here’s how news of Sir Keir’s triumph has been received on the far side of the Atlantic.
How American media covered UK’s new Prime Minister Keir Starmer
Boebert blasted for calling White House press secretary ‘DEI hire’
15:00 , Joe Sommerlad
Speaking of the Colorado congresswoman, this attack on Karine Jean-Pierre is pretty appalling.
Gustaf Kilander has the details.
Lauren Boebert blasted for calling White House press secretary ‘DEI hire’
Lauren Boebert and her nemesis finally agree on one thing: Biden must go
14:30 , Joe Sommerlad
The MAGA firebrand loves to take aim at the president – but the Democrat who nearly won her seat two years ago in the nation’s closest 2022 race is now also calling for him to withdraw from the race, writes Sheila Flynn.
Lauren Boebert and her nemesis agree on one thing: Biden must go
History is bunk: Trump’s Revolutionary War blunder remembered on fifth anniversary
14:00 , Joe Sommerlad
America, don’t say you weren’t warned.
Does Harris have what it takes to beat Trump if Biden bows out?
13:30 , Joe Sommerlad
The vice president is now polling better against Trump than Biden – and has become the obvious choice to replace the president should he step aside, writes Andrew Feinberg.
Does Kamala Harris have what it takes to beat Trump if Biden bows out?
Harris slips up almost calling Biden ‘vice president’ as they put on united front at July 4 event
13:00 , Joe Sommerlad
As President Joe Biden’s support wanes, his deputy Kamala Harris is facing growing calls to replace him on the Democratic ticket in November’s election.
And it seems that all the chatter may be front and center of her mind.
In a potentially telling verbal gaffe, Harris slipped up and almost called Biden “vice president“ before swiftly correcting herself as the pair put on a united front at a July 4 event at the White House.
“We give thanks to our commander-in-chief, the vice… the president of the United States! The extraordinary president of the United States Joe Biden,” she told the crowd.
James Liddell has more.
Kamala Harris slips up almost calling Biden ‘vice president’ at July 4 event
Trumps grifting on Fourth of July
12:30 , Joe Sommerlad
You almost have to admire the sheer tirelessness of their pursuit of a dollar.
To commemorate Independence Day, Trump issues this special reminder today that he included a copy of the Declaration on Independence in his Trump Bibles as a bonus section. Only $59.99. pic.twitter.com/qXHEqNfoOI
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) July 5, 2024
Trump congratulates right-wing ally Nigel Farage on UK election win
12:00 , Joe Sommerlad
One more from Truth Social – here’s Trump congratulating his old crony on finally winning a seat in the UK’s House of Commons at the eighth time of asking as the Labour Party crushed the Conservatives in a landslide general election win that casts the Tories out of power after 14 horrendous years of incompetence, scandal and self-sabotage.
Congratulations to Nigel Farage on his big WIN of a Parliament Seat Amid Reform UK Election Success. Nigel is a man who truly loves his Country! DJT
Donald Trump Truth Social 11:59 PM EST 07/04/22
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) July 5, 2024
Here’s our story on a bromance revived.
Trump congratulates right-wing ally Nigel Farage on UK election win
Embattled Biden makes latest gaffe saying he’s the ‘first Black woman to serve with a Black president’
11:30 , Joe Sommerlad
Deary me.
Here’s James Liddell’s report on the president’s latest goof.
Biden’s latest gaffe: He’s the ‘first Black woman to serve with a Black president’
Biden uses Fourth of July to warn against Trump’s ‘monarchy’
11:00 , Joe Sommerlad
Back to the president, who yesterday insisted “I’m not going anywhere” at a Fourth of July event for military personnel and their families at the White House, during which he laid out the stakes of November’s election.
“We must look at ourselves and ask the question: will we stand for freedom again? Will we stand for democracy?” he asked.
Here’s Alex Woodward on Biden’s warning against a Trump “monarchy” in light of the Supreme Court’s alarming immunity ruling in his favour.
Biden warns against Trump’s ‘monarchy’ while ex-president gleefully watches the chaos
Trump attacks ‘Liddle’ George Stephanopoulos ahead of Biden interview
10:30 , Joe Sommerlad
And finally from the former president’s social feed, here’s his attack on ABC anchor “George Slopadopoulos” ahead of his interview with Biden due to be broadcast this evening, which the president hopes will clear the air over his wellbeing and resassure voters that he remains up to the job.
The meanest and most vicious Interviewer out there is George Slopadopoulos of FAKE NEWS ABC, one of the worst and most vile Broadcasters in the business — In fact, the home of disgraced “reporter” Brian Ross whose reporting on the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax was so outlandish…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) July 5, 2024
“The meanest and most vicious interviewer out there”? George Stephanopoulos? Really?
That one just gets crazier and crazier the further you get through it and ends up entirely rabid.
Martha McHardy has this on what’s at stake as the journalist flies out to Wisconsin to sit down with the under-pressure octogenarian.
How Biden’s ‘make or break’ interview with ABC News could fall short
Trump challenges Biden to ‘no holds barred’ second debate
10:00 , Joe Sommerlad
Also on Truth Social, the Republican challenged the president to a second debate – despite the fact that one is already scheduled for September 10 and due to be broadcast on ABC News.
“I have the answer to the Crooked Joe Biden Incompetence Puzzle — Let’s do another Debate, but this time, no holds barred – An all on discussion, with just the two of us on stage, talking about the future of our Country,” Trump wrote, then pivoting towards salivating over the thought of the ratings and to misrepresenting Biden’s policy positions.
I have the answer to the Crooked Joe Biden Incompetence Puzzle — Let’s do another Debate, but this time, no holds barred – An all on discussion, with just the two of us on stage, talking about the future of our Country. The ratings were massive for the First Debate, record…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) July 4, 2024
Trump attacks Harris with new nickname and says Biden ‘choked like a dog’
09:39 , Joe Sommerlad
Donald Trump has issued a withering attack on Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, calling the president “highly incapable” and saying he “choked like a dog” during their first presidential debate in Atlanta, Georgia, last week, also mocking Biden for blaming his poor performance on exhaustion and a cold.
Turning his attention to the vice president – who is being tipped to succeed the president as the 2024 Democratic nominee – by calling her “Laffin Kamala Harris”, a new nickname alluding to her infectious chuckle.
“She did poorly in the Democrat Nominating process, starting out at Number Two, and ending up defeated and dropping out, even before getting to Iowa, but that doesn’t mean she’s not a “highly talented” politician!” the presumptive Republican nominee crowed on his Truth Social platform.
Happy Fourth of July to all, including to our highly incapable “President,” who uses Prosecutors to go after his Political Opponent, who choked like a dog during the Debate but tried to pretend it was “International Travel” (only 12 days rest!) and, when that gig was up, he…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) July 4, 2024
Mike Bedigan has more.
Trump calls Kamala Harris his ‘new Democrat challenger’ in scathing July 4 post
Jill Biden is still Joe’s biggest supporter — and she’s ‘all in’ for him staying in the race
09:00 , James Liddell
As confidence in Joe Biden’s ability to lead the country wanes among both Democrats and the public, the president has a ballast behind-the-scenes attempting to keep his re-election bid on course: Jill Biden.
Biden’s disastrous performance at the first debate of the 2024 election against Donald Trump thrust his mental fitness into the limelight. Within the past week, three senior Democrats have either publicly called on the president to stand aside or announced he would lose the election, and Trump now has a six-point lead in the latest The Wall Street Journal poll.
The 73-year-old first lady, however, has publicly painted a rosy picture of her husband’s performance. “Joe you did such a great job,” Dr. Biden proclaimed in the immediate aftermath last Thursday, before adding: “You answered every question!”
Jill Biden is ‘all in’ for Joe staying in the race
VIDEO: Democratic governors back President Biden
08:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Impeach, expand, investigate: How Democrats in Congress are trying to rein in the Supreme Court
07:00 , Alex Woodward
Two centuries after the constitution’s authors warned against an “elected king” in the executive office, the Supreme Court kicked off the week of the Fourth of July with a sweeping decision on presidential immunity that Justice Sonia Sotomayor said will create “a king above the law.”
Democrats in Congress have introduced several pieces of legislation to overhaul the Supreme Court, from codes of ethics to attempts to block precedent-shredding decisions that will have profound effects on government and society. They’re likely to fail.
How Democrats in Congress are trying to reign in the conservative Supreme Court
Netflix co-founder and major Democratic donor calls for Biden to exit race
06:00 , James Liddell
Billionaire Democratic donor and Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings has called for Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential race after his dismal debate showing against Donald Trump last week.
In what marks a major blow to his reelection campaign, Hastings, 63, has became one of the party’s first, and most pivotal, benefactors to call on the 81-year-old president to step aside.
The entrepreneur, who has an estimated net worth of $4.8bn, told The New York Times: “Biden needs to step aside to allow a vigorous Democratic leader to beat Trump and keep us safe and prosperous.”
Hastings, who co-founded the streaming giant in 1997, and his wife Patty Quillin have donated more than $20m to the Democrats in recent years, including $1.5m to Biden in his 2020 bid for office.
Netflix co-founder and major Democratic donor calls for Biden to exit race
Disney heiress vows to stop Democratic donations until Biden stands aside
05:05 , Graeme Massie
Disney heiress vows to stop Democratic donations until Biden stands aside
GoFundMe for Stormy Daniels tops $800k as she reveals threats over Trump conviction
04:00 , Joe Sommerlad
A GoFundMe campaign for Stormy Daniels has raised more than $800,000 in the eight days since it launched in order to help the adult film star deal with the fallout of speaking out against Donald Trump.
Daniels – real name Stephanie Clifford – was the star witness at the Republican presidential candidate’s hush money trial this spring, which ended with Trump being convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in order to hide a $130,000 payment to silence her in the days before the 2016 election about an alleged sexual encounter in 2006.
Trump is set to be sentenced by Judge Juan Merchan on September 18, after he was granted a delay as he seeks to overturn his conviction in in light of the Supreme Court’s recent immunity ruling.
GoFundMe for Stormy Daniels tops $800k as she reveals threats over Trump conviction
Biden warns against Trump’s ‘monarchy’ on July 4 while ex-president gleefully watches the chaos
03:01 , Graeme Massie
Biden warns against Trump’s ‘monarchy’ while ex-president gleefully watches the chaos
Biden introduces July 4 concert to crowd outside the White House
01:47 , Alex Woodward
Vice President Kamala Harris introduced Joe Biden to a crowd outside a Fourth of July concert hosted by the White House.
She called him an “extraordinary” president.
“We gotta do what our founders did. We’re a nation of dignity, honor and devotion to one another,” Biden said in extremely brief remarks.
“Folks, it’s all about democracy. It’s all about freedom. It’s all about who we are.”
He walked off stage telling the crowd to “enjoy the fireworks” as they chanted “four more years.”
Biden: ‘I’m not going anywhere’
01:35 , Alex Woodward
As President Biden gave remarks outside the White House for a Fourth of July event on Thursday night, a supporter called out “keep up the fight” and “we need you.”
“You got me man,” he replied. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Biden takes a shot at Trump during White House Fourth of July event
01:30 , Alex Woodward
During a brief speech to military families outside the White House on Thursday, President Biden spoke up for democracy at home and broad, referencing his recent visit to Normandy to commemorate the D-Day anniversary.
At one point, he took a dig at Trump: “I was in a World War I cemetery in France, and … the former president, didn’t want to go and be up there — which I probably shouldn’t have said.”
“Anyway,” he continued. “We gotta just remember who the hell we are. We’re the United States of America.”
Biden asks Americans to ‘stand up for democracy’ at Fourth of July event
01:25 , Alex Woodward
In scripted remarks outside the White House for a Fourth of July event for military families on Thursday night, the president said: “We must look at ourselves and ask the question, will we stand for freedom again? Will we stand for democracy? Will we stand together as Americans?”
Biden: Now decades later, we must look at ourselves and ask the question, will we stand for freedom again? Will we stand for democracy? Will we stand together as Americans? I believe we will, and we can. pic.twitter.com/7mJXjMx86r
— Acyn (@Acyn) July 4, 2024
“I believe we will, and we can,” he added.
Biden warns against Trump’s ‘monarchy’ on July 4
01:31 , Alex Woodward
The aftermath of Biden’s debate performance has been an apparently welcome diversion for Donald Trump and his campaign, keeping media attention away from his own streak of unintelligible public statements, questions about his mental fitness, and an off-the-rails agenda that just a few days ago called for “televised military tribunals” for a former congresswoman.
He’s kept a relatively low profile, for him, and appears content to let his Democratic rivals duke out their political future.
Now, Biden is hoping to use the Fourth of July holiday to turn the conversation around:
Biden warns against Trump’s ‘monarchy’ while ex-president gleefully watches the chaos
VIDEO: Biden’s political future being questioned
Friday 5 July 2024 00:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Does Kamala Harris have what it takes to beat Trump if Biden bows out?
Thursday 4 July 2024 23:30 , Andrew Feinberg
With pressure mounting for President Joe Biden to stand aside after his troubling debate performance against Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as a surprisingly strong potential challenger to the ex-president.
Harris — the first woman, the first African-American and the first person of Asian descent to serve in the nation’s second-highest office — has been dogged by dismal approval ratings and a policy portfolio that has seen her take on politically tricky issues, like the root causes of an immigration crisis that’s brought hundreds of thousands to the US in recent years.
But she has also spent the last three years building a profile on the world stage, most recently at last month’s Ukraine peace talks in Switzerland. She’s also become the administration’s most prominent messenger on reproductive freedom in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs ruling, which marked the end of a half-century-old federal right to an abortion. Harris’ “reproductive freedom tour” has taken her to events across the country where she has barnstormed events packed with female and minority voters.
Does Kamala Harris have what it takes to beat Trump if Biden bows out?
Full story: Biden warns against Trump’s ‘monarchy’ on July 4 while ex-president gleefully watches the chaos
Thursday 4 July 2024 23:04 , Alex Woodward
The aftermath of Biden’s debate performance has been an apparently welcome diversion for Donald Trump and his campaign, keeping media attention away from his own streak of unintelligible public statements, questions about his mental fitness, and an off-the-rails agenda that just a few days ago called for “televised military tribunals” for a former congresswoman.
He’s kept a relatively low profile, for him, and appears content to let his Democratic rivals duke out their political future.
Now, Biden is hoping to use the Fourth of July to turn the conversation around:
Biden warns against Trump’s ‘monarchy’ while ex-president gleefully watches the chaos
Fan cams and coconut trees: Kamala Harris memes are resurrecting the KHive
Thursday 4 July 2024 23:00 , Alex Woodward
The internet has fallen out of the coconut tree.
Speculation that President Joe Biden will hang up his re-election campaign has triggered a wave of semi-ironic online support for Vice President Kamala Harris, with fan cams set to songs from Charli XCX and memes that riff on a string of memorable quotes from her last few years in office.
The “KHive” — the online grassroots stan-culture army of earnest supporters who fueled online rage and enthusiastic support for Harris when she launched her 2020 run for the presidency — was resurrected overnight. Now Americans are quickly become coconut-pilled, Kamala maxxing, “existing in context” and “unburdened by what has been.”
Fan cams and coconut trees: Kamala Harris memes are resurrecting the KHive
How the Supreme Court’s immunity ruling opened the door for a shocking question: Can presidents kill their rivals?
Thursday 4 July 2024 22:30 , Alex Woodward
Can a president order a rival’s assassination and get away with it?
It was an absurd hypothetical raised by an appeals court judge to point out the literally unbelievable and dangerous consequences of the legal argument from Donald Trump’s attorneys.
But it landed as a shocking warning from a Supreme Court justice in an earthquaking decision this week that shields Trump from accountability for crimes committed in office.
There has never been any legal precedent that would give a president such authority. But according to legal scholars, attorneys and the Supreme Court’s liberal justices, the decision has seemingly opened the door to question whether the commander in chief can commit legal murder.
A shocking question at the Supreme Court: Can presidents kill their rivals?
Six other presidents didn’t run for another term. Here’s what happened then
Thursday 4 July 2024 22:00 , Gustaf Kilander
President Joe Biden is in the fight for his political life, having acknowledged that the next few days are crucial to convincing the American public that he’s the right person to lead the country for the next four years.
The crisis comes after Biden’s dismal debate performance on June 27, when he appeared frail, his voice raspy, and during which he made several gaffes and appeared to lose his train of thought.
In public, he has insisted that he’s still in the race and that he’s confident that he can beat former president Donald Trump even as his predecessor is pulling away in poll after poll.
But there’s precedent for declining to run for a second term and stepping aside. Most recently, and possibly most famously, back in 1968.
Six other presidents didn’t run for another term. Here’s what happened then
VIDEO: US elections: White House says zero chance Biden will withdraw
Thursday 4 July 2024 21:30 , Gustaf Kilander
Virginia school board member who admitted to boozing in the Capitol gets jail time for Jan 6 riot
Thursday 4 July 2024 21:00 , Graig Graziosi
A member of a Virginia school board who bragged about drinking beer inside the Capitol during the Jan. 6 riot will spend 12 days behind bars for storming the halls of Congress.
Miles Adkins, 39, has pleaded guilty to two federal misdemeanors in connection with the riot and has been sentenced to 12 days in prison — only to be served on weekends — plus two years of probation and fines and restitution.
Despite his guilty plea, Adkins told NBC News4 that he refuses to capitulate to the demands of community members who want him to step down from his position on the Frederick County Public Schools board.
“You’re gonna need a bigger wrecking ball to get me out of there,” he told a reporter.
Virginia school board member who stormed Capitol and boozed up inside is sentenced
Video reveals Trump saying ‘broken down pile of c***’ Biden is ‘quitting’ White House race
Thursday 4 July 2024 20:30 , Joe Sommerlad
Donald Trump has branded Joe Biden a “broken down pile of c**p” and Vice President Kamala Harris “pathetic” as he claims the embattled president has already quit the White House race.
In a video posted to his Truth Social platform, the Republican presidential candidate is seen slouched behind the wheel of a golf buggy alongside his teenage son Barron Trump and declaring to an unidentified third party: “How did I do with the debate the other night? I kicked that old, broken down pile of c**p.
“He just quit, you know – he’s quitting the race… and that means we have Kamala. I think she’s going to be better,” Trump mutters sarcastically.
Trump goes on to lay into Harris, deriding the prospect of her succeeding Biden on the ticket.
“She’s so pathetic, she’s so f***ing bad. Can you imagine… dealing with [Vladimir] Putin, the president of China – who’s a fierce person, he’s a fierce man, a very tough guy…” he adds, before driving off across the green.
Video reveals Trump saying ‘broken down pile of c***’ Biden is ‘quitting’ race
Biden campaign uses July 4th to blast Trump for turning U.S. ‘into monarchy’
Thursday 4 July 2024 20:29 , Gustaf Kilander
In an email, the Biden campaign told supporters that, “This July fourth, Donald Trump wants to make America a monarchy again.”
When Donald Trump fantasizes about getting revenge on his political opponents, openly campaigns on being a dictator on day one, and encourages and excuses the political violence on January 6, we must believe him.
Especially when the Supreme Court’s latest ruling removes one of the last remaining checks on him doing exactly that.
Biden campaign
Biden admits to Democratic governors he’s tired and needs to work less: ‘It’s just my brain’
Thursday 4 July 2024 20:22 , James Liddell, Alex Woodward
President Joe Biden reportedly told a group of Democratic governors on Wednesday that he needs more sleep, wants to wrap up his days by 8 p.m., and joked that while his health is in good shape, “it’s just my brain.”
The president also revealed that he had a brief medical check-up after last week’s debate — shortly after the White House told reporters that Biden had not seen a doctor since.
A group of 20 governors met with Biden at the White House on Wednesday night as mounting concerns about his mental fitness have followed a faltering performance at his first debate against Donald Trump, which the president blamed on both a cold and jet lag.
Biden tells Democrats he had a medical check-up after debate disaster
Impeach, expand, investigate: How Democrats in Congress are trying to rein in the Supreme Court
Thursday 4 July 2024 20:00 , Alex Woodward
Two centuries after the constitution’s authors warned against an “elected king” in the executive office, the Supreme Court kicked off the week of the Fourth of July with a sweeping decision on presidential immunity that Justice Sonia Sotomayor said will create “a king above the law.”
Democrats in Congress have introduced several pieces of legislation to overhaul the Supreme Court, from codes of ethics to attempts to block precedent-shredding decisions that will have profound effects on government and society. They’re likely to fail.
How Democrats in Congress are trying to reign in the conservative Supreme Court
VIDEO: Trump ‘veepstakes’ heats up as running mate pick looms
Thursday 4 July 2024 19:30 , Gustaf Kilander
Trump lashes out at Biden, Harris, and special counsel in July 4 message
Thursday 4 July 2024 19:15 , Gustaf Kilander
Happy Fourth of July to all, including to our highly incapable “President,” who uses Prosecutors to go after his Political Opponent, who choked like a dog during the Debate but tried to pretend it was “International Travel” (only 12 days rest!) and, when that gig was up, he blamed it on a “cold.”
Therefore, why would anyone say he’s cognitively challenged? Also, respects to our potentially new Democrat Challenger, Laffin’ Kamala Harris.
She did poorly in the Democrat Nominating process, starting out at Number Two, and ending up defeated and dropping out, even before getting to Iowa, but that doesn’t mean she’s not a “highly talented” politician! Just ask her Mentor, the Great Willie Brown of San Francisco.
Someone else that I have to compliment is a Deranged Biden Prosecutor named Jack Smith, who has become a Legend in his own mind for all of those cases he has lost.
The Corrupt Prosecutors are working hard for Crooked Joe, but it will never be enough — MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!
Donald Trump on Truth Social
Netflix co-founder and major Democratic donor calls for Biden to exit race
Thursday 4 July 2024 19:00 , James Liddell
Billionaire Democratic donor and Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings has called for Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential race after his dismal debate showing against Donald Trump last week.
In what marks a major blow to his reelection campaign, Hastings, 63, has became one of the party’s first, and most pivotal, benefactors to call on the 81-year-old president to step aside.
The entrepreneur, who has an estimated net worth of $4.8bn, told The New York Times: “Biden needs to step aside to allow a vigorous Democratic leader to beat Trump and keep us safe and prosperous.”
Hastings, who co-founded the streaming giant in 1997, and his wife Patty Quillin have donated more than $20m to the Democrats in recent years, including $1.5m to Biden in his 2020 bid for office.
Netflix co-founder and major Democratic donor calls for Biden to exit race
Biden tells governors he needs to work less and sleep more
Thursday 4 July 2024 18:51 , Gustaf Kilander
Biden told a group of Democratic governors that he needs to work fewer hours and get more sleep, which includes limiting events after 8pm, two people who took part in the meeting told The New York Times.
The president’s Wednesday comments revealed that Biden is admitting to the fatigue that comes with the job during a meeting meant to sure up support within his party.
Biden also told the governors that he’s staying in the race. He outlined his recent foreign travel in the weeks ahead of his dismal debate performance on 27 June, during which he lost his train of thought, his voice was raspy, and he made several gaffes.
Biden said on several occasions on Wednesday that he had not been listening to his staff about his schedule.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green, a physician, asked Biden about his health, to which Biden said his health is fine.
“It’s just my brain,” he added.
Biden campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon said Biden had said, “All kidding aside.”
“He was clearly making a joke,” she told The Times.
White House issues readout of call between Biden and Netanyahu
Thursday 4 July 2024 18:45 , Gustaf Kilander
President Biden spoke this morning with Prime Minister Netanyahu. The Prime Minister congratulated the United States on the occasion of Independence Day, and thanked the President for his continued and steadfast support for Israel’s security.
President Biden and the Prime Minister discussed ongoing efforts to finalize a ceasefire deal together with the release of hostages, as outlined by President Biden and endorsed by the UN Security Council, the G7, and countries around the world.
The leaders discussed the recent response received from Hamas. The President welcomed the Prime Minister’s decision to authorize his negotiators to engage with U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian mediators in an effort to close out the deal.
President Biden reaffirmed his ironclad commitment to Israel’s security including in the face of threats from Iranian-backed terrorist groups such as Lebanese Hezbollah.
Both leaders welcomed the meeting to take place on July 15 between their national security teams in the Strategic Consultative Group format.
White House
How the Supreme Court’s immunity ruling opened the door for a shocking question: Can presidents kill their rivals?
Thursday 4 July 2024 18:30 , Joe Sommerlad
It was an absurd hypothetical raised by an appeals court judge to point out the literally unbelievable and dangerous consequences of the legal argument from Donald Trump’s attorneys.
But it landed as a shocking warning from a Supreme Court justice in an earthquaking decision this week that shields Trump from accountability for crimes committed in office.
There has never been any legal precedent that would give a president such authority.
But according to legal scholars, attorneys and the Supreme Court’s liberal justices, the decision has seemingly opened the door to question whether the commander in chief can commit legal murder.
Alex Woodward reports.
A shocking question at the Supreme Court: Can presidents kill their rivals?
Recap: Biden admits he ‘screwed up’ debate
Thursday 4 July 2024 18:00 , Joe Sommerlad
Here’s another look at our top story today.
“I had a bad night,” the president told Wisconsin radio host Earl Ingram in an interview that aired this morning.
“And the fact of the matter is that I screwed up. I made a mistake.
“That’s 90 minutes on stage, look at what I’ve done in three-and-a-half years.”
Biden also used the interview to talk up his efforts on behalf of the Black community, declaring: “I picked a Black woman to be my vice president.
“I’ve appointed the first Black woman to be a Supreme Court justice. I’ve appointed more Black judges, more Black women judges, than every other president in American history combined.”
On Trump’s treatment of the same demographic, the president said: “I’m sorry to get so worked up.
“But he is just — he’s terrible things in the community, and he has about as much interest and concern for Black, minority communities as the man on the moon does.”
Here’s more from Andrew Feinberg.
Biden admits he ‘screwed up’ debate — but insists he can still ‘beat’ Trump
‘If you raise problems in parts of Bidenworld, it can be deemed disloyal’
Thursday 4 July 2024 17:30 , Joe Sommerlad
Here’s an interesting insight into the ongoing West Wing psychodrama from CNN’s pundits this morning.
“there is a culture within parts of Bidenworld that if you raise problems that it can be deemed as potentially disloyal.”
Fuller remarks here.
“Anita [Dunn] and Bob [Bauer] while there names are being out there and blamed, they are also the ones who have been around him for the… pic.twitter.com/AjbCE79ImF— Alex Thompson (@AlexThomp) July 4, 2024
McCarthy complains Biden offered him cookies
Thursday 4 July 2024 17:00 , Joe Sommerlad
Kevin McCarthy, the former Republican House speaker – ousted by his own side, lest we forget – was busy telling Fox News yesterday he found it “depressing” whenever the president of the United States offered him cookies in the White House, a weird remark that attracted a number of withering responses of which the following was unquestionably the most devastating.
