Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled for a long-awaited visit to the White House to meet with President Joe Biden and likely Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at a crucial moment for all three leaders.
Recently, Biden made an address after withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race, while Donald Trump launched an offensive against Harris at a campaign rally in North Carolina. Meanwhile, protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza continue, and Netanyahu delivered a speech defending Israel’s conduct and vowing victory against Hamas.
Thousands are expected to protest Netanyahu’s visit outside the White House.
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Here are the latest updates:
Defense secretary speaks highly of Harris
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin praised Vice President Kamala Harris, highlighting her role in national security decisions, including actions on Ukraine and strikes in the Middle East to defend U.S. troops.
Austin commended Harris for representing the U.S. on the international stage and her professionalism at a Pentagon press conference.
PAC led by George Conway takes aim at Trump
An anti-Trump group run by George Conway released a new ad targeting the former president with satire based on his past statements and behavior.
The ad will air on select cable channels surrounding Trump’s resorts and features footage of Trump’s controversial remarks and actions.
Governor Cooper refrains from commenting on VP vetting
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper avoided directly addressing whether he’s been asked to submit vetting documents for consideration as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate.
He expressed trust in Harris’s decision-making process and emphasized her leadership qualities and previous visits to North Carolina.
Teachers union welcomes Harris at convention
Vice President Kamala Harris was welcomed at the American Federation of Teachers convention in Houston, where the union’s president, Randi Weingarten, praised her entry into the presidential race.
Harris emphasized the importance of teachers in shaping the nation’s future and criticized Republican views on gun control and education.
Hulk Hogan reflects on RNC speech
Hulk Hogan shared positive feedback about his speech at the Republican National Convention, stating that he feels empowered to speak out about politics following the event.
He criticized attempts to assassinate former President Trump and called for unity in America.
Obama set to endorse Harris
Former President Barack Obama is reportedly planning to formally endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, highlighting their close relationship and shared values.
The endorsement is expected to boost Harris’s campaign as the likely Democratic presidential nominee against Donald Trump.
House Republicans criticize Harris’s border handling
House Republicans passed a resolution condemning Vice President Kamala Harris’s oversight of the U.S.-Mexico border crisis, labeling her as the “border czar” and questioning her performance in the role.
The resolution echoes Trump’s criticism of Harris’s role in addressing migration issues.
DeSantis denounces protests against Netanyahu
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis condemned protests related to Netanyahu’s visit as “antisemitic,” criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris for not being present to greet Netanyahu.
Harris later issued a statement condemning the acts of protesters displaying pro-Hamas graffiti in Washington.
Harris condemns protesters’ actions
Vice President Kamala Harris strongly criticized protesters displaying pro-Hamas graffiti during rallies against Israel’s actions in Gaza, emphasizing the need to uphold American values.
She also denounced the burning of the American flag and expressed support for peaceful protests.
GOP group targets swing state voters to back Harris
A Republican group is launching a campaign in battleground states to persuade former Trump supporters to back Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential race.
The campaign aims to showcase the contrast between Harris and Trump on key issues like abortion rights.
Democratic PAC focuses on abortion rights in ad supporting Harris
A Democratic PAC has released a digital ad highlighting the importance of abortion rights and endorsing Kamala Harris’s candidacy for president.
The ad features a woman sharing her story of being denied access to abortion after changes in Supreme Court justices appointed by Trump.
Man shot at Trump rally released from hospital
A man who was shot at a rally for former President Trump has been discharged from the hospital, while another remains in serious condition.
The shooting occurred at a Trump rally, with one spectator critically wounded and another injured.
Surge in sales for JD Vance’s memoir
Senator JD Vance’s memoir “Hillbilly Elegy” experienced a surge in sales following his selection as the running mate for Donald Trump, underscoring the impact of Trump’s endorsement.
The book, which delves into Vance’s background and family history, has gained popularity since Trump’s announcement.
Harris garners support from Warriors coach
Vice President Kamala Harris’s support extends to the Golden State Warriors, with head coach Steve Kerr praising her and expressing gratitude for her endorsement.
Harris’s connections to the Bay Area and her advocacy for the team have earned her appreciation from players and coaches alike.
Trump comments on Biden’s address
Former President Trump criticized President Biden’s Oval Office address as poor and difficult to understand, highlighting his differences with both Biden and Vice President Harris.
Trump renews call for jail time for flag burners
Trump reiterated his stance on imposing jail time for flag burners, following protests in Washington where American flags were replaced with Palestinian flags.
Despite constitutional protections for flag burning as a form of free speech, Trump argued for punitive measures against flag desecration.
Harris’s campaign releases video with pop culture flair
Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign released a video titled “We Choose Freedom,” blending pop culture elements with key campaign messages emphasizing freedom, gun control, and equality.
The video features Beyoncé’s song “Freedom” as the soundtrack and will be promoted on social media platforms.
Lawmakers boycott Netanyahu’s speech to Congress
Over 60 Democrats boycotted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to Congress, with prominent figures like Nancy Pelosi and Bernie Sanders choosing not to attend.
The absence of Vice President Kamala Harris at the speech was notable, as she was away on previous engagements at the time.
Netanyahu’s visit to Biden and Harris crucial
Netanyahu’s visit to the White House is significant as all three leaders seek to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza and work towards a resolution.
Biden’s proposal to release hostages in Gaza through a phased approach is currently being negotiated, with Israel and Hamas at a crucial juncture in the peace process.
Biden’s speech reflects on democracy and succession
President Biden’s Oval Office address focused on the defense of democracy and the transition of power to Vice President Kamala Harris, reaffirming his commitment to upholding democratic values.
He emphasized the importance of unity and national stability in his address, signaling a smooth transfer of power to Harris.
Democrats yet to engage in ad wars
While Republicans have launched attack ads against Harris, Democrats have not yet responded in kind, with Republicans dominating the airwaves as the campaign heats up.
The focus on Harris in Republican ads underscores the party’s strategy to challenge the Democratic nominee’s credentials and record.
Biden’s family presence during address
During his televised address, President Biden was surrounded by family members and close advisers, including his son Hunter Biden and granddaughter Finnegan Biden.
First Lady Jill Biden was also present, along with other family members and staff, to support the president during his speech.
Historical context of Johnson’s decision in 1968
President Lyndon Johnson’s decision not to seek reelection in 1968 serves as a historical parallel to Biden’s announcement, highlighting the challenges faced by presidents in times of national crisis.
Johnson’s address focused on the Vietnam War and the need for national unity, ultimately leading to his withdrawal from the race.
Trump reacts to Biden’s speech
Former President Trump criticized Biden’s Oval Office address as incoherent and ineffective, contrasting his leadership style with that of Biden and Harris.
Trump’s social media posts underscored his ongoing opposition to the current administration and highlighted his differences with Democratic leaders.
View from Trump’s campaign plane
Trump watched Biden’s address from his campaign plane, reflecting on the president’s remarks as he departed from a rally in North Carolina.
Advisers and supporters shared images of Trump watching Biden speak, with contrasting reactions to the content of Biden’s speech.
