Despite Harris's initial position as a contender in Biden's campaign, she faces significant hurdles and criticisms that question her suitability for the vice-presidential role if Biden were to be replaced by someone else. This is especially true considering Harris's previous performance during her presidential run, which saw her support drop to single digits, resulting in negative portrayals of her as an uneven candidate and communicator. Additionally, her effectiveness within the vice-presidency was limited due to challenging policy roles and exclusion from negotiations on key issues. The main issue with Harris lies in her association with Biden's record in a potential "change" election. Nevertheless, Democrats have become more optimistic about her candidacy, believing that it could give the country a fighting chance against Trump.
As for recent news and updates: In this week's Focus on America, Jonathan Freedland and Nikki McCann Ramirez discuss Joe Biden stepping aside in an episode of Politics Weekly America. Additionally, you can find a cartoon by Edith Pritchett and positive stories like Julian Lee's transition into blacksmithing after retiring from his career in education for London councils.
Read next
Over 1 million people gather in Madrid for outdoor mass with Pope Leo
Over one million people gathered in Madrid for an open-air mass led by Pope Leo. During the service, the American pontiff highlighted the contradiction between Christian principles and far-right ideology, stating, “No one can kneel before the Lord and despise their brother.”
Crowds began forming hours before dawn on Sunday
Xi Jinping visits Pyongyang to strengthen China-North Korea relations
Xi Jinping has begun a two-day visit to North Korea, marking his first trip to the country in nearly seven years as he seeks to strengthen relations with the ally.
Footage from the Xinhua state news agency showed the Chinese leader and his wife, Peng Liyuan, arriving at Sunan international
Denmark's mullet championship celebrates the 'beautifully ugly' and divisive hairstyle
Copenhagen recently hosted the 2026 Mullet Championship, where more than 1,000 spectators gathered on an outdoor stage to celebrate the enduring hairstyle characterized by short hair in the front and length in the back.
Twelve participants competed in the event, which was organized by 37-year-old electrician Steffen Stiw Weber.