President Joe Biden made his first address since his decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump is holding a rally in Charlotte and Vice President Kamala Harris asked for support from women of color during an address at a historically Black sorority.
Earlier today, thousands of protesters rallied to denounce Israel’s war in Gaza, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a scathing speech to Congress to defend Israel’s conduct in the war and vowed “total victory” against Hamas.
He condemned American opponents while thousands of protesters rallied within sight of the Capitol building.
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Biden says he put party unity over a ‘merited’ second term
Defending his tenure, Biden said his “record as president, our leadership in the world, my vision for America’s future all merited a second term.” But, he said, “I needed to unite my party.”
Contrasting himself with Trump, he added, “Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. And that includes personal ambition.”
Biden never mentioned Trump, but his allusions were clear
Though Biden never mentioned his political rival, it was clear the Democratic incumbent was talking about the possibility of former President Trump returning for a second presidency.
“I revere this office, but I love my country more. It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your president. But in the defense of democracy, which is at stake, I think it is more important than any title,” Biden said in the opening minutes of his speech.
Biden called this election year “one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now determine the fate of our nation and the world for decades to come. Americans are going to have to choose moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division. We have to decide do we still believe in honesty, decency, respect, freedom, justice and democracy.”
And, he asked, “Does character in public life still matter?”
Those are many of the same critiques Biden leveled against Trump in the 2020 campaign.
Biden uses address to shape his legacy and the upcoming election
The address gave Biden a chance to try to shape how history views his one and only term in office.
It gave the public a chance to hear directly from Biden his rationale for dropping out of the 2024 after weeks of insisting he believed himself to be the best candidate to take on former President Trump, whom he has called an existential threat to the nation’s democracy.
Both Biden and Harris have framed the election as a choice between freedom and chaos, but he tried to steer clear of overt campaigning from his official office and never mentioned Trump by name.
“The great thing about America is, here, kings and dictators do not rule,” Biden said. “The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America — lies in your hands.”
Biden wraps 10-minute address
Biden says he’s grateful to have served as president — in no other country could a kid with a stutter grow up to sit in the Oval Office.
“My fellow Americans, it’s been the privilege of my life,” he says.
He told Americans to “keep the faith,” and “the idea of America lies in your hands.”
Biden’s has a busy 6 months planned
Biden says he has a busy to-do list for his final six months in office.
He says he’s going to work to end the war in Gaza.
Biden also mentioned that he’ll work to defend personal freedoms and lower costs for hardworking families. He says he’ll continue to push for Supreme Court reform and will keep seeking to protect children from gun violence. He says he’ll keep up his initiative seeking to end cancer as we know it.
Biden says it’s time for ‘fresh voices, yes, younger voices’ in politics
President Biden is explaining why he is stepping away from the 2024 election. He says, “I revere this office, but I love my country more.”
“I’ve decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. It’s the best way to unite our nation,” said Biden.
He said he thought it best to unite his party. Some Democrats had been calling for him to step down.
Biden supporters gather outside the White House
Supporters of President Biden have gathered outside the White House in a show of support as the president gives an Oval Office to explain why he’s stepping away from the 2024 race.
Some held signs that read: “We love Joe,” and a brass band played.
Biden addresses the nation in Oval Office Address
President Joe Biden is addressing the nation from the Oval Office after his decision to step down from the 2024 race.
Dozens of his staff members filed into the White House to watch the address together.
Biden bowed to pressure from his own party to step aside following his disastrous debate performance on June 27. He posted a letter on Sunday telling the public about his decision but was sick with COVID-19 at the time and said he’d address the nation later.
Trump lays in to ‘lyin’ Kamala Harris’
Trump opened his remarks at a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, saying he defeated Biden, adding the Democrats “had a very undemocratic move” and forced him out.
“Now, we have a new victim to defeat: lyin’ Kamala Harris,” he said, mispronouncing her name, and proceeding to attack her record on the border.
Biden to tell nation that the ‘defense of democracy is more important than any title’ as he explains dropping 2024 bid
President Joe Biden is giving an Oval Office address this evening where he’s expected to say that he will spend the next six months doing his job as president, but that he decided the best way forward was to “pass the torch to a new generation.”
The president bowed to pressure from his own party to step aside following his disastrous debate performance on June 27. He posted a letter on Sunday telling the public about his decision but was sick with COVID-19 at the time and said he’d address the nation later.
Biden says in excerpts of his remarks that the “great thing about America is kings and dictators do not rule. The people do.”
Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president.
Families of American hostages in Gaza are ‘profoundly disappointed’ in Netanyahu
The families of the eight American hostages being held in Gaza say they’re “profoundly disappointed” that Prime Minister Netanyahu did not guarantee in his speech to Congress that the hostages would be coming home.
In a joint statement, the families said that Netanyahu “failed to present any new solutions or a new path forward” and “failed to commit to the hostage deal that is now on the table even though Israel’s senior defense and intelligence officials have called on him to do so.”
They called on him to get the deal done “before it is too late.”
Eight Americans are believed to be held by Hamas, including three who were killed.
Trump rally attendees are still feeling out JD Vance
Fans and supporters awaiting Trump in Charlotte say they are amped to meet their nominee. But his running mate? They’re still waiting to learn more about him.
A handful of voters interviewed Wednesday by The Associated Press ahead of Trump’s late afternoon campaign rally said they had watched the Netflix biopic about JD Vance’s life, based on his bestselling book, but aside from that, they didn’t know much about the freshman Ohio senator.
Trump unveiled Vance as his veep pick last week as the Republican National Convention got underway in Milwaukee. The two campaigned together over the weekend and plan to do so again this coming weekend in Minnesota.
Trump rally attendees suffer heat stress
Paramedics received eight calls about people suffering from heat stress at the arena in Charlotte, North Carolina, where attendees waited outside for hours in the sweltering heat before being allowed inside to hear the former president speak Wednesday.
At least two people were taken to a hospital, according to the Mecklenburg Emergency Medical Services Agency.
Temperatures in Charlotte were near 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius) and high humidity made it feel several degrees warmer on the pavement surrounding the 8,600-seat Bojangles Coliseum.
Police remove Palestinian flags at Union Station
Police have taken down Palestinian flags that protesters hoisted outside Washington’s Union Station. Protesters removed three American flags from the poles and replaced them with Palestinian flags. At least one of the American flags was burned. Police took down the Palestinian flags once the crowd began to dissipate.
Access to Union Station locked down
Amtrak Police locked down access to Union Station around 3:30 p.m. ET, closing all but one entrance to the major transportation hub.
In a message on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Virginia Railway Express notified passengers they would be required to show their tickets to get into the station, via the First Street Metrorail entrance.
Tempers flare outside Union Station as police officers take people into custody
An Associated Press reporter saw at least four people taken into custody by police during the confrontation outside Union Station. Protesters repeatedly shouted, “Let them go!” at officers.
One person grabbed at a police officer’s riot shield and then raised his fists in a fighting stance. An officer grabbed a Palestinian flag from a woman and tossed it aside. At least one protester appeared to be overcome by the effects of pepper spray.
Sen. Kelly: ‘Every Palestinian in Gaza is not a member of Hamas’
Sen. Mark Kelly said that Netanyahu expressed “a lot of things that many Americans are feeling,” but also wished the prime minister had acknowledged the loss of life during the war. “Every Palestinian in Gaza is not a member of Hamas.”
Netanyahu mentioned notifying civilians, Kelly said, but there have been a lot of civilian casualties, and there are always ways to improve. “It’s important to recognize that,” he said.
Over 39,000 Palestinians have been killed and another 89,800 have been wounded during Israel’s offensive, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.
Hostage supporters gathered in Tel Aviv to watch Netanyahu speech, demand ‘deal now’
In Tel Aviv, hundreds of relatives of Israeli hostages and other supporters gathered in the city’s “Hostages Square” to watch the speech on a large screen.
Many chanted “Deal now” as he spoke.
“I want to tell my Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, my grandfather could have been alive today with us. He was waiting for someone to come and save him. He was waiting for you to seal the deal,” said Talya Dancyg, whose grandfather, Alex Dancyg, was pronounced dead in captivity this week by Israeli authorities.
“Seal the deal. Bring them home now,” she said.
“If he didn’t open with the words, ‘we have a deal,’ I don’t care what he has to say,” added Sharon Kalderon, sister-in-law of hostage Ofer Kalderon.
Protesters graffiti monument, disperse
Protesters have spray painted graffiti on a monument to Christopher Columbus outside Union Station, including the words, “Hamas is coming” in large red letters. At the base, the words “Free Gaza” are painted in green.
With the announcement over a megaphone that “the police are coming” many protestors appeared to disperse.
… But Democrats have had a more mixed response
1. Rep, Brad Schneider of Illinois, a Jewish Democrat and staunch Israel supporter said, “There’s a lot of times this could have turned in different directions,” expressing gratitude the speech was not partisan. “Did I agree with everything he said? No, but no one has spoken on this floor that I have agreed with everything they’ve said.”2. Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan said she agreed with Netanyahu that the priority is getting the hostages out also acknowledged the importance of a cease-fire. “And then there is no question Hamas has to be removed from power. I agree with that, but I don’t agree that anyone who is protesting their strategy on war in Michigan are people who support Hamas.”3. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut left dissatisfied, saying Netanyahu visited the U.S. and was “very clearly aligning himself with a host of messaging from Republicans,” which he called unsurprising but also “really, really sad.” Murphy said the speech was a lot of “war-sloganeering, and not much thoughtful, detailed explanation of how he’s going to keep Israel safe in the long run.”
Republicans have widely praised Netanyahu’s speech …
4. Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska, “The most important thing I think he did is lay out the stakes as it relates to Iran. That’s where Democrats and Republicans should agree. It is Iran behind everything, and he did a great job of laying that out.”5. Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the No. 2 Senate Republican, said Netanyahu “provided a stark reminder of what’s at stake not just for the region but for us.”6. Republican House Leader Steve Scalise called the speech “moving” and said it allowed Congress to “see the cost of the war, to see what’s at stake, why they’re fighting and why they must win, and why it’s important for the United States to stand with them.”7. Rep. Andy Barr of Kentucky, “Why should members of Congress, why should the American people defend Israel in their moment of need? Because it is in the national security interest of the United States to defeat Hamas and other Iranian proxies.”
US Rep. Jamie Raskin criticizes Netanyahu’s speech as one made for Trump’s GOP
U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin, a Democrat from Maryland, said Netanyahu’s speech was made for Trump’s GOP
“It’s too bad he couldn’t have come earlier in the summer. He could have given it at the Republican National Convention because the speech was really pitched to right-wing Americans, for a right-wing approach to the war and that’s been rejected.”
Raskin, who met with families of hostages earlier in the day, said he heard no plan from Netanyahu for their safe return and an end to the war.
“We didn’t hear anything about meaningful progress towards a bilateral cease-fire in return for hostages. We didn’t hear anything about peace. We didn’t hear anything about a two-state solution, which has been U.S. foreign policy for decades,” he said.“You had one narcissistic, indicted right-wing autocrat coming over here to speak to the followers of another narcissistic, right-wing, autocrat.”
‘Palestine will be free’
Protesters cheered as a fire burned what appeared to be a paper-mache likeness of Netanyahu.
The replica of the Liberty Bell outside the station has been covered in graffiti reading “Free Palestine” and in Arabic “Palestine will be free.”
Officers wearing helmets and carrying riot shields are walking in a line down a street outside Union Station.
All 3 US flags at Union Station replaced with Palestinian flags
Protesters have climbed the flagpole outside Washington’s Union Station and replaced the American flags outside with Palestinian flags. Dozens of law enforcement officers remain outside Union Station, which is one of the nation’s busiest railroad terminals.
Cheers rang out as the final flag was raised.
Police deploy che
mical agent at protestors
After being turned away by police near the Capitol, protesters wound through the Capitol Hill neighborhood for several blocks before gathering in front of Union Station.
When protestors took down one of the giant U.S. flags outside, police moved in. At least one person was arrested and police deployed chemical agents.
Protesters chanted “shame on you” as police dragged somebody away. At least two people were seen being treated for chemical agent effects on the eyes.
‘I came here to thank you, America,’ Netanyahu says as he wraps speech
“On behalf of the people of Israel, I came here to say thank you, America,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday as he finished his address to Congress.
Democrats subsequently filed out of the chamber while Republicans were still giving the prime minister enthusiastic applause.
Netanyahu praises Trump
The Israeli leader, frequently accused of wading into American politics in favor of Republicans, lavished praise on former president and current presidential contender Donald Trump “for all he’s done for Israel.”
‘Israel will fight until we destroy Hamas’ military capabilities
Netanyahu says he is ready to press forward with Israel’s war against Hamas until he achieves “total victory.”
Netanyahu told Congress that he would agree to a cease-fire if Hamas surrenders, disarms and releases all hostages it is holding.
“Israel will fight until we destroy Hamas’ military capabilities and its rule in Gaza and bring all our hostages home,” he said. “That’s what total victory means. And we will settle for nothing less.”
But he said Israel would continue to fight indefinitely until it destroys the group’s military capabilities and brings home all hostages.
Critics have said Netanyahu’s vow of total victory is unrealistic, as Hamas has repeatedly regrouped in areas that the Israeli military has withdrawn from.
U.S.-led cease-fire talks have dragged on for months without a breakthrough.
A tense scene between dueling protestors
At one point, late in the march, a brief scuffle broke out between different protest groups. At the corner of D Street and Delaware, a small group waving Israeli flags had set up a demonstration, claiming to be pro-Israel but anti-Netanyahu.
As the main rally passed them, one man tried to grab the megaphone held by one of the pro-Israeli protesters.
The pair separated after a brief struggle and the situation devolved into multiple tense, but nonviolent, debates.
People wearing yellow ‘Seal the deal now’ T-shirts removed
Earlier in the speech, five people wearing yellow T-shirts that read “seal the deal now” were removed from the House gallery. The phrase is a rallying cry for those urging Netanyahu to reach a deal to return the hostages.
The individuals stood to prominently display the message on their shirts during moments when others were applauding but had done nothing to disrupt the speech itself.
Arrests made in House Gallery, per Capitol Police
U.S. Capitol Police say they have arrested five people who disrupted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech before Congress. Police said in a post on X that the people were in the House Gallery and were “immediately removed” and arrested.
“Disrupting the Congress and demonstrating in the Congressional Buildings is against the law,” police said.
The affiliation of those arrested is not immediately clear.
Netanyahu’s sp
eech takes on more combative tone
Netanyahu’s speech took on a more combative tone as he defended his country but also derided those protesting the war in Gaza, gesturing to demonstrations happening as he spoke on the streets outside the U.S. Capitol, as “useful idiots” for Israel’s adversaries.
“The hands of the Jewish state will never be shackled,” he said.
He drew shouts of applause from many in Congress, but also silence from leading Democrats who declined to stand and cheer.
A common thread of Netanyahu’s speech is painting Israel’s fight against Hamas and the region as a whole as synonymous with American interests and values.
RNC chairman says the party’s electoral strategy has not changed following Harris’ ascension
The head of the RNC says his party’s general election calculus has not changed now that Democrats may be led by Harris and not President Biden.
RNC Chairman Michael Whatley told The Associated Press ahead of Trump’s rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, later today that he feels “fantastic” about his candidate’s chances in the state, which was the scene of Trump’s slimmest electoral victory in 2020.
Whatley also said that he felt Vance’s addition to the ticket would resonate with voters in North Carolina.
Asked about running a campaign against Harris instead of Biden, Whatley expressed confidence in his notion that Trump “has more energy and is doing more events than any presidential candidate, ever. Nobody is going to outwork Donald Trump.”
Whatley was serving as chairman of the North Carolina GOP when Trump put him forth as his pick to lead national Republicans.
US Rep. Tlaib h
olds up sign that says ‘war criminal’ and ‘guilty of genocide’
U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat, held up a sign in the House chamber Wednesday that said “war criminal” on one side and “guilty of genocide” on the other.
Tlaib has been one of Netanyahu’s most strident critics in Congress and was censured for her comments last year about the latest Israel-Hamas war.
She has relatives in the West Bank and represents a district in Michigan with many Palestinians.
Netanyahu thanks Biden for his efforts and ‘hearfelt support for Israel’
Netanyahu on Wednesday said Biden stood with Israel in his darkest hour and it will “never be forgotten.”
“I want to thank him for half a century of friendship to Israel,” he said.
Many had expected Netanyahu to use his address before Congress to once again criticize the Democratic president but the prime minister’s remarks so far have been complimentary and gracious to President Joe Biden, who stepped down days ago as the Democratic nominee for president, for “half a century of friendship to Israel.”
Police deployed pepper spray on protesters near US Capitol
Police deployed pepper spray Wednesday as a large crowd protesting Israel’s war in Gaza marched toward the U.S. Capitol, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was speaking to Congress.
Thousands of protesters descended on Washington, chanting “Free, Free Palestine” as some tried to block streets ahead of Netanyahu’s speech. Police wearing gas marks blocked the crowd, which was calling for an end to the war that has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians, from getting closer to the Capitol.
U.S. Capitol Police said in a post on X that some members of the crowd had become “violent” and had “failed to obey” orders to move back from the police line.
“We are deploying pepper spray toward anyone trying to break the law and cross that line,” Capitol Police said.
Netanyahu begins speech to Congress
“For the forces of civilization to triumph, America and Israel must stand together,” Netanyahu said. “When we stand together something really great happens: we win, they lose.
He wore a pin with Israeli and U.S. flags on one side, and a yellow pin expressing solidarity with the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
More than 50 congressional Dems absent from Netanyahu’s address
By the time Netanyahu was set to begin his address before a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, more than fifty congressional Democrats were noticeably absent after announcing publicly that they would not be attending the speech in protest of the prime minister’s handling of the war.
Protesters gather outside US Embassy in Tel Aviv ah
ead of Netanyahu’s speech
Protests were also taking place in Israel ahead of Netanyahu’s speech, with demonstrators demanding a cease-fire in exchange for the release of the roughly 120 hostages still held by Hamas. About 200 protesters gathered outside the U.S. Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv, some holding signs reading “Bibi, enemy of Israel,” referring to Netanyahu by his nickname.
US Rep. Tlaib among those attending Netanyahu’s address
While many Democrats declined to attend the prime minister’s speech as a way to protest how Netanyahu has led the war against Hamas, one outspoken critic of his conduct is attending.
U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat, took a seat in the House chamber with a keffiyeh, which she often wears, wrapped over her shoulders. Tlaib was censured last year for her strident criticism of Israel’s conduct in the war.
Netanyahu arrives on Capitol Hill, greets House Speaker Johnson
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived on Capitol Hill and has greeted House Speaker Mike Johnson.
“We are certainly happy to welcome our friend,” Johnson said.
“Today and every day America must stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel,” Johnson said.
“Speaker Johnson, you have shown great leadership,” Netanyahu said.
The two men spoke briefly, podiums side by side, at the Capitol.
‘We are not play
ing around,’ Harris tells gathering of historically Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta members
Vice President Kamala Harris told a gathering of the historically Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta in Indianapolis on Wednesday that “we are not playing around,” in the 2024 presidential election.
And she asked them for their support in helping to elect her.
Harris said: “In this moment, I believe we face a choice between two different visions for our nation — one focused on the future, the other focused on the past.
“And with your support, I am fighting for our nation’s future.”
Voters in Indiana haven’t backed a Democratic presidential candidate in nearly 16 years. But the biennial meeting of roughly 6,000 people, mostly women, is part of a constituency Harris hopes will turn out for her in massive numbers: women of color.
President Joe Biden stepped away from the race on Sunday.
Family members
of Israeli hostages criticize Netanyahu’s trip to the US
At an event with dozens of Democrats ahead of Netanyahu’s speech, several family members of Israelis taken hostage by Hamas last year unleashed criticism at the prime minister for coming to the U.S. when he could be focused on securing a deal to free those taken captive.
“The hostage family forum back home urged Netanyahu not to come here and give this speech now at a time when a deal is so close,” said Maya Roman, who had several family members taken hostage. “Because by coming here, he risks making himself the issue, turning the humanitarian issue of the hostages into a political one.”
U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, a Massachusetts Democrat, called the event a “powerful” reminder of the importance of reaching a cease-fire deal and returning the hostages.
“It’s painful for them to have Netanyahu here in Washington kind of promoting himself when their loved ones are still being held hostage,” he said.
Vance labels Harris an out-of-touch ‘career politician’
Trump’s VP pick is characterizing Harris, his running mate’s possible November opponent, as an out-of-touch “career politician.”
“What has she ever done for this country?” Vance asked conservative activist and host Charlie Kirk in a podcast interview Wednesday.
The 39-year-old Vance, who has begun hitting the campaign trail both solo and with Trump in recent days, also argued that his addition to the GOP ticket can help appeal to young voters.
“If you’re a young voter in this economy with interest rates skyrocketing how can you possibly afford to buy a house?” Vance said. “If you want to turn the page on that … you’ve got to vote for President Trump.”
Vance said he sees the two top issues as the economy and U.S.-Mexico border, on both of which he argued that Biden — and now Harris — are not succeeding.
“I think we have to make a substantive argument that the Kamala Harris-Joe Biden agenda has failed for this country,” Vance said. ”Do we want four years even worse than the last four years?”
Senate Republicans criticize Harris over absence from Netanyahu’s address before Congress
Senate Republicans are criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris for skipping Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address today before a joint session of Congress.
Harris is in Indianapolis where she’s speaking to the historically Black Zeta Phi Beta sorority’s biennial convention. She is set to hold private talks with Netanyahu at the White House later this week.
The vice president is the presiding officer of the Senate and would typically co-preside over such an event with the House speaker. But there have been other instances in recent history when the vice president has skipped such addresses by foreign leaders because of scheduling conflicts.
“She should be here whether she likes the prime minister of Israel or not, whether she respects him or not, she should be here,” said Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, who organized a press conference with fellow Senate Republicans that largely focused on Harris’ absence from the speech.”It is a disgrace.”
Sen. JD Vance, the Republican vice president nominee, is also skipping the speech to campaign.
“He’s not the sitting vice president of the United States,” Ernst said.
2 Senate committees will hold a hearing next week on the assassination attempt on Trump
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin announced the hearing on the Senate floor Wednesday, saying that the Judiciary panel will hold the joint hearing with the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
He said the committees will conduct a bipartisan investigation into the shooting.
The panels will hear from the U.S. Secret Service and the FBI, Durbin said, and they will also have a closed-door classified briefing. Witnesses have not yet been announced.
Mother of Israeli hostage slams delaying of negotiating team to cease-fire talks
The mother of an Israeli held hostage by Hamas in Gaza has slammed the delay of the Israeli negotiating team to cease-fire talks.
“Instead of announcing in Congress that he agrees to the deal on the table, Netanyahu is preventing the deal’s fruition because of personal considerations. Even if we hear of more hostages who died in the tunnels, he will continue his PR mission in the U.S. and will continue to drag his feet,” said Einav Zangauker, who has been a vocal critic of Netanyahu throughout the war. Her son Matan was taken hostage on Oct. 7.
Cease-fire negotiating team that was meant to depart has been delayed, Israeli official says
An Israeli official said Wednesday that a negotiating team meant to depart to continue cease-fire talks was delayed.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss developments in the sensitive talks, did not give a reason for the delay, saying the team would likely be dispatched next week.
More than 60 congressional Dems gather at the Capitol with families of Israeli hostages
In the bowels of the U.S. Capitol, a group of more than 60 congressional Democrats gathered with the families of Israeli hostages to bring light to their months of captivity and increase pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government to abide by the terms of the cease-fire agreement that the U.S. is helping broker.
The event was marketed as alternative planning for Democrats who didn’t want to attend Netanyahu’s address to Congress later Wednesday afternoon.
“It is my hope that the Prime Minister will listen to you, will listen to the families and to the countless Americans who love and who support Israel and want to see a negotiated end to the fighting that makes an enduring peace possible,” said U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, a senior Democrat who is boycotting the address.
Protestors demand Netanyahu’s arrest
Zeina Hutchinson, director of development for the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee, on Wednesday read off the names of several Palestinian journalists killed by the Israeli military.
“We protest this homicidal maniac, his supporters and his enablers,” she shouted from the stage, referencing Netanyahu. “And we demand his arrest.”
She was among hundreds who gathered to protest near the U.S. Capitol.
More than 1,000
protestors line Pennsylvania Avenue
More than 1,000 people gathered Wednesday morning on Pennsylvania Avenue within sight of the U.S. Capitol building, with more streaming in from multiple directions.
Protesters carried signs branding Netanyahu a “war criminal” and several erected a large effigy of Biden with blood dripping from its mouth and devil horns.
The crowd chanted: “Biden Biden, you can’t hide/We charge you with genocide.”
This report has been corrected to show that the effigy was of Biden, not Netanyahu.
Netanyahu focuses on Iran in remarks at memorial for Joe Lieberman
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday pointed to Iran as the force “behind an entire axis of terror” threatening the United States and Israel.
Netanyahu used brief remarks at a memorial for the late lawmaker Joe Lieberman to focus on what the Israeli leader portrayed as danger from Iran and its nuclear program.
Netanyahu long has sought to rally support for more aggressive U.S. and Israeli action against Iran, its militia allies around the Middle East and its nuclear program. His comments at the memorial are likely to foreshadow the theme of the Israeli leader’s remarks to a joint meeting of Congress later Wednesday.
Lieberman, who died in March, “knew how dangerous our world would become if Iran were ever to develop and acquire nuclear weapons,” Netanyahu said. The two men often discussed “how Iran was behind the entire axis of terror that threatened both our countries.”
Protestors: ‘As American Jews, we don’t support this war’
Across the street from Union Station in Washington, D.C., Jewish Americans gathered Wednesday morning for a prayer service led by T’ruah, an organization of rabbis calling for a cease-fire in Gaza.
Rabbi Bill Plevan, of New York, said he believed prayer could be a catalyst for peace.
“We’re here to protest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech in Congress,” he said. “We’re here to say we don’t stand by his policies. As American Jews, we don’t support this war.”
Still, many Jewish Americans view the war in Gaza as just because it came as a response to the brutal Oct. 7 Hamas attack, even if they don’t outright support Netanyahu and his policies. The families of hostages taken by Hamas are also protesting, demanding Netanyahu agree to a cease-fire deal that would free their loved ones.
The scene near the Capitol
Workers erected a black metal fence around the White House as Washington braced for protests ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech before a joint session of Congress.
Multiple protests were planned for Wednesday over Israel’s war in Gaza.
There was a heavy police presence, but the streets were relatively quiet in Capitol Hill on Wednesday morning. A small group of protesters walked down a street carrying Palestinian flags and signs with messages such as “anti-Israel is not anti-semitism.”
Within view of the Capitol, orthodox Jews lined the streets protesting Netanyahu and the war.
As police sirens sounded in the distance, protesters carried signs that included “Jews Worldwide Condemn Israeli Bloody Brutality” and “Free Palestine.” Another called for Netanyahu’s arrest.
Despite some of the people and groups who were protesting, many Jewish Americans view the war in Gaza as just because it came as a response to the brutal Oct. 7 Hamas attack, even if they don’t outright support Netanyahu and his policies. The families of hostages taken by Hamas are also protesting, demanding Netanyahu agree to a cease-fire deal that would free their loved ones.
Senators re-up calls for Biden and US negotiators to close cease-fire deal
Hours before Netanyahu was set to arrive, the Senate chairmen of the national security committees sent a letter to President Joe Biden, reupping calls for him and U.S. negotiators to quickly close the cease-fire deal that would end the conflict in Gaza and force the release of the hostages.
“We are under no illusion that this will be easy and we fully understand that diplomacy requires compromise. But the pre-October 7 status quo is not sustainable,” Sens. Ben Cardin, Jack Reed and Mark Warner wrote Wednesday.
Marianne Williamson seeks Democratic delegate support for open convention
Author Marianne Williamson has sent a letter to Democratic delegates seeking their support ahead of their formal presidential nominating process.
Williamson asks delegates to sign her petition and “consider taking a stand for an open convention,” according to a copy of the missive shared with The Associated Press. The note also includes a link for anyone wishing to submit Williamson’s name for nomination.
Democrats have indicated that they will hold a virtual roll call vote by Aug. 7 to name their chosen nominee, ahead of the convention that begins 12 days later in Chicago.
That process will be open to any candidate who musters 300 signatures from delegates elected to the convention.
An AP survey of Democratic delegates indicates that Harris has secured commitments from enough of them to become her party’s nominee.
Williamson challenged Biden for the nomination and suspended her campaign, but reversed herself earlier this year.
Biden’s speech tonight hopes to make a case for his legacy — and for Harris to continue it
Biden will have an opportunity to make a case for his legacy — sweeping domestic legislation, renewal of alliances abroad, defense of democracy — tonight at 8 p.m. ET. when he delivers an Oval Office address about his decision to bow out of the race and “what lies ahead.”
Even though the president won’t be on the ballot this November, voters still will be weighing his legacy. As Vice President Kamala Harris moves to take his place as the Democratic standard-bearer, Biden’s accomplishments remain very much at risk should Republican Donald Trump prevail.
How Biden’s single term — and his decision to step aside — are remembered will be intertwined with Harris’ electoral success in November, particularly as the vice president runs tightly on the achievements of the Biden administration.
And no matter how frustrated Biden is at being pushed aside by his party — and he’s plenty upset — he has too much at stake simply to wash his hands of this election.
▶ Read more on what to expect ahead of the address
Protests planned around Capitol Hill
Multiple protests are planned outside the Capitol, with some condemning the Israeli military campaign overall, and others expressing support for Israel but pressing Netanyahu to strike a cease-fire deal and bring home hostages.
The largest protest is set for this morning, with organizers planning to march around the Capitol building demanding Netanyahu’s arrest on war crimes charges. A permit application submitted to the National Park Service estimated at least 5,000 participants.
▶ What to know about Netanyahu’s visit
GOP leaders urge colleagues to steer clear of racist and sexist attacks on Harris
Republican leaders are warning party members against using overtly racist and sexist attacks against Vice President Kamala Harris, as they and former President Donald Trump ’s campaign scramble to adjust to the reality of a new Democratic rival less than four months before Election Day.
At a closed-door meeting of House Republicans on Tuesday, National Republican Congressional Committee chairman Richard Hudson, R-N.C., urged lawmakers to stick to criticizing Harris for her role in Biden-Harris administration policies.
“This election will be about policies and not personalities,” House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters after the meeting.
“This is not personal with regard to Kamala Harris,” he added, “and her ethnicity or her gender have nothing to do with this whatsoever.”
Trump expected to turn his full focus on Harris at first rally since Biden’s exit
Donald Trump is holding his first public campaign rally since President Joe Biden dropped out of a 2024 matchup that both major parties had spent months preparing for, leaving the former president to direct his ire toward his likely new opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris.
Harris spoke to
a roaring crowd of battleground state voters in Wisconsin yesterday
A roaring crowd of battleground state voters greeted Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday as she opened her public case against Republican former President Donald Trump by declaring November’s election will be “a choice between freedom and chaos.”
Harris arrived in the Milwaukee area having locked up nomination support from Democratic delegates after President Joe Biden dropped his reelection bid on Sunday. It was her first campaign rally since she jumped into the race just two days ago with Biden’s endorsement.
The event reflected a vibrancy that had been lacking among Democrats in recent weeks, and Harris was intent on projecting a sense of steady confidence about the November election.
▶ Read more about why the event in Wisconsin matters for Harris’ campaign
Harris campaign sees multiple ways for her to win, ahead of vice president speaking in Indiana
Just three full days since entering the race after President Joe Biden’s departure, Kamala Harris will address the annual gathering of the historically Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta in Indianapolis.
It’s a moment for Harris, a woman of Black and South Asian descent, to speak to a group already excited by her historic status as the likely Democratic nominee and one that her campaign believes can help to expand its coalition.
Harris, Trump are on the campaign trail as Biden prepares to address the nation
Vice President Kamala Harris goes to the solidly Republican state of Indiana later today, but she plans to speak there to a key Democratic constituency as her campaign sees advantages with women, Black, Latino, Asian and younger voters.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden will address the nation from the Oval Office tonight on his decision to drop his 2024 Democratic reelection bid.
Democrats release more proposals for how they will formally choose a presidential nominee
The Democratic National Committee has released proposed rules that would give candidates until next week to vie for the party’s nomination. But the process will almost certainly end with Vice President Harris replacing President Biden at the top of the party’s ticket.
Candidates will have to qualify by the evening of July 30, according to draft rules released Tuesday.
The party previously announced proposed rules requiring that candidates submit electronic signatures of support from at least 300 delegates to its national convention, no more than 50 of which can be from a single state.
If multiple candidates qualify, it could spark multiple rounds of voting over several days. But, if Harris is the only candidate, voting would be set to begin Aug. 1. The party said last week that it would not hold voting prior to the start of next month and that the process would be completed by Aug. 7.
Biden endorsed Harris when he left the race Sunday and no other major Democrat has announced plans to challenge her. An AP survey of delegates from states across the country found that she had already exceeded the threshold of support needed to secure the nomination.
Families of Israeli hostages gather for a vigil on the National Mall
Families of some of the remaining hostages held a protest vigil Tuesday evening on the National Mall, demanding that Netanyahu come to terms with Hamas and bring home the approximately 120 Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza.
About 150 people wearing yellow shirts that read “Seal the Deal NOW!” chanted “Bring Them Home” and listened to testimonials from relatives and former hostages. The demonstrators applauded when Biden’s name was mentioned, but several criticized Netanyahu — known by his nickname “Bibi” — on the belief that he has been dragging his feet or playing hardball on a proposed cease-fire deal that would return all of the hostages.
“I’m begging Bibi. There’s a deal on the table and you have to take it,” said Aviva Siegel, 63, who spent 51 days in captivity and whose husband Keith remains a hostage. “I want Bibi to look in my eyes and tell me one thing: that Keith is coming home.”
