With his re-election campaign in crisis, U.S. President Joe Biden is hoping an interview with ABC News will convince Americans, and fellow Democrats, that he is indeed fit to run after a disastrous debate performance.

Washington

Donald Trump is preparing to take office after defeating Kamala Harris in the U.S. Presidential election.

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U.S. President Joe Biden participated in a highly anticipated interview with ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos. Biden aimed to address concerns regarding his capability and mental fitness for re-election after a challenging debate performance against former President Donald Trump. During the interview, Biden acknowledged he had a rough night but affirmed he still believes in his ability to serve effectively.

The conversation included questions about Biden's perceived frailty and recent lapses. Biden confidently stated he remains in "good shape" and denies being more frail. Despite facing public pressure for his age and mental acuity, Biden asserted his determination to remain in the race, emphasizing his past success in defeating Trump in the 2020 presidential election.

Biden has faced increased scrutiny, particularly after remarks in a radio interview that were widely criticized. Additionally, there have been reports of significant campaign donors considering suspending donations and Democrat lawmakers calling for his withdrawal. Biden’s response during the interview was seen as neither a significant stumble nor a decisive rebuttal of his critics’ concerns. 

Reports also surfaced suggesting a team of insiders might be preparing Vice President Kamala Harris to assume a more prominent role. However, Biden remained steadfast in his decision to continue his campaign efforts. A discussion among key Democrat senators about Biden potentially stepping aside is reportedly on the horizon, but Biden indicated he has no intention of resigning from the race.



Biden fights to salvage campaign with high-stakes interview

Mr. President, thank you for doing this. It was among the most anticipated interviews in memory for a sitting U.S. president, in an exclusive interview with ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos. At issue, the only issue for countless Americans, can Joe Biden demonstrate he's capable of doing his job and that he's mentally fit to be re-elected for another four years? But it seemed like you were having trouble from the first question in, even before he spoke. Well, I just had a bad night. Are you the same man today that you were when you took office three and a half years ago? In terms of successes, yes. Do you dispute that there have been more lapses, especially in the last several months? Can I run the 110 flat? No. But I'm still in good shape. Are you more frail? No. And on it went. Earlier. As if to underline, the age thing now follows U.S. President Joe Biden wherever he goes, walking on stage in Wisconsin with a pro-Biden crowd and one of those cheering him on pulls out a handwritten sign. There it is. Pass the torch, Joe. The placard with its blunt message waved right at him. A lot of discussion about my age. I know I look 40. Biden is in crisis mode. His campaign for re-election, seen by so many as in shambles. Ever since that debate last week with former President Donald Trump, in which, at times, Biden seemed to full-on lose his train of thought. Everything we have to do with, look. More stumbles have followed in the days since. In a radio interview, he seemed to say he's, quote, proud to be the first Black woman to serve with a Black president. And he reportedly told Democrat governors this week he needs more sleep and shouldn't schedule events past 8 p.m. This as multiple Democrat lawmakers now publicly call for Biden to depart and as multiple major campaign donors threaten to suspend donations until he quits. With Donald Trump's lead in some polls for the White House now widening, pressure for Biden to bow out grows. Even as he stood alongside Vice President Kamala Harris at 4th of July celebrations, there were reports a team of insiders is readying a plan for her to take over. But, in Wisconsin, defiance. Let me say this as clearly as I can. I'm staying in the race. And Paul, any early consensus on how the interview tonight went for Biden? Well, the early consensus seems to be probably not, though Joe Biden himself might dispute that. I think it's fair to say Biden seems to believe in himself more than fellow Democrats now believe in him. And that he believes his past, that he beat Trump in 2020, is proof he can do it again. Biden didn't stumble in the interview the way he has recently. But, again, I think it's fair to say neither did he grab the reins and rise to show evidence that he has the energy and acuity to calm all the naysayers. And, of course, all of this with a looming election. Democrats are framing as among the highest stakes ever. And with reports now that a key Democrat senator is gathering other senators for a heart-to-heart with Biden at the White House to tell him to step aside. One takeaway from Joe Biden with this interview is that he wants no part of that, Ian. Paul Hunter in Washington tonight.

Ukraine has appointed a new prime minister, 39-year-old Yulia Svyrydenko, as part of a sweeping government reshuffle announced by President Volodymyr Zelenkskyy. This marks the most significant political shift since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

Kyiv

Ukraine Invasion

Yulia Svyrydenko takes charge as Ukraine's new prime minister

Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, currently on trial at the Supreme Court, has been ordered to wear an electronic ankle monitor. Bolsonaro is accused of leading an alleged attempt to stage a coup to overturn the 2022 election.

Rio de Janeiro

Brazil's Bolsonaro ordered to wear ankle monitor

At least three deputies were killed after an explosion at a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department training facility, officials said. Attorney General Pam Bondi said federal agents were at the scene.

Los Angeles

Three killed in explosion at L.A. County Sheriff's Department facility

The UK's Labour Party has passed a landmark electoral reform, aligning with Scotland and Wales in lowering the voting age from 18 to 16. The change fulfills a key promise by the ruling party but garnered criticism from the Conservative Party.

London

UK lowers voting age from 18 to 16 in historic electoral reform

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a rescissions package to slash $9 billion in foreign aid and public broadcasting funding, sending the bill to President Donald Trump's desk.

U.S. House passes $9 billion cut to foreign aid, public broadcasting

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday night ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to help facilitate the release of grand jury transcripts related to Jeffrey Epstein as the administration faces pressure to share more materials on the case.

Trump orders release of Epstein-related grand jury transcripts

The European Union has agreed to impose a new round of sanctions against Russia, targeting the country's energy and financial sectors in a bid to tighten the screws on the Kremlin's war machine and force a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine.

Moscow

EU imposes new sanctions on Russia's oil and banks

U.S. President Donald Trump denies writing a letter signed 'Donald' beneath a nude sketch in Jeffrey Epstein’s 50th birthday album, details of which were published by the Wall Street Journal. The letter is now under review by the U.S. Justice Department.

Trump denies writing crude letter to Jeffrey Epstein

Following a call with President Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a rare apology, saying the only Catholic church in Gaza was hit by stray ammunition. The blast killed three civilians. Ramy Inocencio reports.

Jerusalem

Middle East Conflict

Netanyahu apologizes for deadly strike on Catholic church in Gaza

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has suggested that TSA may soon end its restrictions on liquids in carry-on bags.

TSA may eliminate liquid restrictions on planes

A Tennessee judge on Thursday set Kilmar Abrego Garcia's criminal trial date for January 27, 2026. Abrego Garcia is facing human smuggling charges. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane reports.

Tennessee

Judge sets Kilmar Abrego Garcia's criminal trial date for January 2026

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday that President Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency.

Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency

Black-box recording indicates that the flight's captain switched off fuel flow to both engines of the recently crashed Air India airplane, according to media reports on Wednesday, citing preliminary U.S. assessment of evidence.

Ahmedabad

Flight captain switched off fuel flow to engines in Air India crash

The Department of Justice has fired Maurene Comey, a federal prosecutor and the daughter of ex-FBI director James Comey. This comes as the White House tries to mitigate demands for the Jeffrey Epstein files to be released.

DOJ fires Maurene Comey, who helped prosecute Jeffrey Epstein

The Senate approved a $9.4 billion rescissions request, sending it back to the House of Representatives for approval.

Senate approves spending cuts to foreign aid, public broadcasting

Israel has faced international condemnation over its three days of airstrikes in Syria. The European Union and the United Nations have called for a return to calm, while Iran has urged countries in the region to respond against Israel.

Damascus

World reacts to Israeli attacks on Syria’s Damascus

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz makes his first state visit to the United Kingdom to sign a historic defence cooperation treaty—the first of its kind between Germany and Britain since the Second World War. The agreement includes plans for joint defence efforts, boosting economic collaboration, and tackling illegal migration.

Germany and UK seal historic defence pact

Donald Trump says American-made weapons bought by NATO are being shipped to Ukraine. Trump's also threatening sanctions, saying his aim is to force Putin to negotiate an end to the war. But with Ukraine under nightly attack, there’s scepticism over whether he'll achieve anything.

U.S. ships NATO purchased Patriot missiles to Ukraine

Syria condemns Israel for fatal strikes on several government buildings in Damascus. The escalation threatens to disrupt new U.S.-brokered security talks between Israel and Syria, with both sides expressing concerns over stability in the region.

Israeli airstrikes on Syria threaten security talks

U.S. President Donald Trump is still dealing with fallout from his own supporters over his administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. CBS News Department of Justice reporter Jake Rosen has more.

Trump says Epstein conspiracy theory is hoax started by Democrats

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that she spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and that the two had agreed to strengthen trade collaboration, particularly in light of the tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump set to go in effect on August 1.

Mexico City

Global Tariffs

Mexico plans to strengthen trade with Canada

Former President Barack Obama joined his wife, former first lady Michelle Obama, on her latest podcast episode with her brother Craig Robinson to address divorce rumors.

Obamas address divorce rumors on Michelle’s podcast

Israel struck Syrian military targets as well as central Damascus on Wednesday (July 16) as it continued its campaign to protect Druze minority communities in southern Syria.

Israel strikes Damascus as fighting rages in southern Syria

U.S. ambassador Mike Huckabee's appearance at Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial follows President Trump's call for Israel to throw out the case or pardon the Israeli prime minister.

Tel Aviv-Yafo

U.S. ambassador attends Netanyahu trial to show support from Trump

President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the U.S. would impose a 19% tariff on goods from Indonesia under a new agreement with the Southeast Asian country and more deals were in the works as he continued to press for what he views as better terms with trading partners.

Trump eyes more trade deals soon as EU readies retaliation

At least 20 Palestinians were killed on Wednesday (July 16) at an aid distribution site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, in what the U.S.-backed group said was a crowd surge instigated by armed agitators. This video contains graphic images.

Crush at Gaza aid site kills at least 20, GHF blames agitators

Police in Los Angeles have arrested a 22-year-old suspect in the double homicide of American Idol executive Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca. The couple, both 70 years old, was found shot to death in their home earlier this week.

Encino

Police make arrest in murders of American Idol executive, husband

Streaming shows dominated nominations for the 2025 Emmy Awards. "Severance" earned the most series nominations with 27. Meanwhile, "The Studio" earned the most-ever nominations for a debut comedy series with 23.

Hollywood

'Severance' and 'The Studio' earn top Emmy nominations

The United Torah Judaism party has decided to quit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition over its failure to secure military service exemptions. Members of the ultra-orthodox community have been exempted from enlisting in the army since 1948.

Major cracks in Netanyahu coalition as ultra-Orthodox party quits

New information about the Jeffrey Epstein case may soon be made public after a reversal from U.S. President Donald Trump and weeks of criticism — the loudest of which has come from within the MAGA movement.

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