Elections 2024 live: Biden virtual nomination set for before Democratic convention despite disastrous new polling

Recapping JD Vance’s history of criticising Trump, the late-night host concluded: “Damn! If he can say all that and still get picked for vice president, I figure I got a chance for secretary of state at least.”

Here’s more from Lilith Foster-Collins.

The Democratic National Committee is moving ahead with a virtual nomination of Joe Biden in the coming weeks, CNN reports.

A note was sent out to members on Wednesday morning, stressing that it is “the wisest approach”.

The letter states that “no virtual voting will begin before August 1”.

In a letter to members of the Democratic National Convention rules committee, co-chairs say that a meeting that was previously scheduled for Friday will still proceed.

“Our discussion on Friday of how the Convention will operate will include discussion of a virtual voting element, which will end before the in-person Convention,” it states.

CNN reports that the letter stresses multiple times that the virtual roll call process will not be rushed but voting is expected to start next week.

There is still talk of a move by senior Democrats — most recently reported comments by Rep Adam Schiff of California — to replace Joe Biden at the top of the ticket.

Until Biden’s disastrous presidential debate against Donald Trump on June 27 both candidates had been running neck-and-neck.

The newly-confirmed Republican presidential candidate still faces federal cases against him, despite charges over the mishandling of classified documents being dismissed earlier this week.

In May, Trump became the first former president to be convicted of a felony after a New York jury found him guilty on 34 state counts of falsifying business records to conceal hush money payments to pornstar Stormy Daniels.

He also faces charges over alleged election interference in Georgia.

Speaking to Bloomberg Businessweek, Trump was asked about the idea of using his executive power to pardon himself – should he regain the presidency.

“I wouldn’t consider it,” he told the outlet.

Here’s more from Mike Bedigan.

Former Trump White House trade adviser Peter Navarro was released from a Miami federal prison this morning, a federal prison spokesperson tells CNN.

He spent four months in jail for defying a subpoena from the January 6 congressional committee.

Navarro is expected to appear at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

Campaign manager Chris LaCivita has revealed he “generally” carries a firearm “when I’m out with the boss” and also keeps an unlocked gun next to his bed.

Saturday’s attack has forced an already shellshocked Democratic Party to redo all of its counterprogramming against the former president, writes Eric Garcia.

Meanwhile, the GOP is torn between unity and pointing the finger.

A Trump-owned company is now selling sneakers featuring the iconic image of the former president, bloodied and defiantly pumping his fist in the air moments after he survived Saturday’s assassination attempt.

For $299, Trump supporters can now be the proud owners of the limited edition “FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT High-Tops”.

The shoes feature the stars and stripes alongside the photo of Trump’s fist pump, with the slogan “FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT” emblazoned across them.

“Despite the attack, Trump stood tall and resilient, leading the crowd with the powerful chant “Fight, Fight, Fight,” says the website hawking them.

“These limited edition high-tops, featuring Trump’s iconic image with his fist raised, honor his unwavering determination and bravery.”

Here’s Lilith Foster-Collins’ report.

The former president compared the bullet that nearly took his life to the “world’s largest mosquito” in a leaked phone call with independent presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr.

A video of Kennedy speaking to Trump on speakerphone appeared online on Tuesday, with Kennedy later apologizing and saying he was “mortified” it had been posted.

Here’s Gustaf Kilander.

Thomas Matthew Crooks, the man who attempted to assassinate Trump at his weekend campaign rally in Pennsylvania, told his boss that he needed Saturday off because he had “something important to do,” according to a chilling new report on his final hours.

Mike Bedigan has the story.