WASHINGTON  –  Former President Donald Trump has said he does not expect to run for election again in 2028 if he is defeated in this November’s US presidential poll. Trump, 78, has been the Republican candidate for three national elections in a row and has reshaped the party greatly over the last eight years.

In an interview with Sinclair Media Group, he was asked if he could foresee another run in the event that he loses to Democratic Vice-President Kamala Harris. “No, I don’t. I think… that will be it,” Trump said. “I don’t see that at all.” But he added that “hopefully, we’re going to be very successful”.

US law bars presidents from serving more than two terms, and so Trump is not expected to run in 2028 if he wins, either. In the past, the real estate mogul has rarely acknowledged the possibility of losing the election, more often firing up supporters with speeches and social media posts pledging victory at the polls.

But this is the second time in four days he has mentioned a chance of defeat. During an event held by the Israeli-American Council on Thursday, he brought up losing, and suggested that any such loss would partly be the fault of Jewish voters.

“Do they know what the hell is happening if I don’t win this election?” he said, according to various media reports. “And the Jewish people would have to do a lot with that if that happens because at 40% [support] that means 60% of the people are voting for the enemy.”

The comments were condemned by the Harris campaign and by the nonpartisan American Jewish Committee and Anti-Defamation League. Trump’s acknowledgments of a possible loss may reflect how the Democratic Party’s prospects have changed since Harris became its nominee following President Joe Biden’s decision to quit the race.

Her campaign raised more than $190m (£142m) in August, compared to $130m brought in by the Trump campaign and affiliated organisations.

In national polling averages tracked by the BBC she is ahead of Trump, and a poll released by CBS shows she leads Trump 52% to 48% nationally.

In key US battleground states which look set to prove decisive to the overall result, Harris has a narrower lead of 51% to 49%, which is a slight improvement from the even 50% in a similar poll conducted last month by CBS, the BBC’s news partner.

Another poll released by NBC shows Harris with a five percentage point lead over Trump across the US. It also found that 48% of registered voters see her positively compared to 32% in July – the largest jump since then-President George W Bush’s favourability surged after the 11 September 2001 attacks.

But like other surveys, the NBC poll showed Trump held a clear advantage with voters on some of the election’s biggest issues, including the economy, the cost of living and immigration. The BBC has contacted the Trump campaign for comment on the polling data. (BBC)

Photo: Former US president Donald Trump. (NTV Kenya)…[+]

GUYANA – The Government of Guyana is on a quest to implement paperless system by introducing blockchain technology in some of its agencies, as part of efforts to enhance cyber security.

Blockchain technology is renowned for its ability to maintain data integrity and prevent unauthorised modifications or tampering. It makes it difficult for someone to falsify or tamper with records. The technology is used widely to allow transparent information sharing within a business network. A blockchain database stores data in blocks that are linked together in a chain.

Speaking at his weekly press conference last week, Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo explained that work is done towards streamlining airport processes to enhancing healthcare systems. He explained: “We have a project that will make our airport paperless. And we’re hoping by the end of the year that this will happen, that we have an automated border management system that will pre-screen people; that would allow us to know long before people arrive in the country, who they are and their background that would allow people to online or through an app fill up all of the entry forms and customs declarations – everything online and that would be shared directly to the GRA (Guyana Revenue Authority).”

According to Jagdeo, the government is building out the digital infrastructure of the country, with the ultimate goal of improving the efficiency of public services and boosting economic output. He noted that it is one of the main objectives is the development of Guyana’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Masterplan 2030. The VP noted that the electronic identification card system (e-ID) will be used to implement the system. “The system will feature fingerprint verification, eliminating the need for traditional proof of address,” he said while clarifying that the system will not replace the current National Identification card.

The VP said Ministry of Health is working on designing and installing an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. Moreover, he revealed that the ‘Safe Guyana’ Initiative will leverage technology to enhance public security and prevent criminal activities. Several Command Centres have been constructed to complement this project. The government may examine which other agencies will need this technology, following the implementation of the first phase, “particularly where records could be tampered with.” (Kaieteur News)…[+]

NEW YORK  –  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky toured a Pennsylvania ammunition plant as he began a key visit to the United States in which he is expected to present his blueprint to defeat Russia to President Joe Biden and other allies.

Zelensky will fully outline his “victory plan” – which includes Kyiv’s long-stated request to use long-range missiles on targets inside Russia – to Biden for the first time during the visit before sharing it with both presidential candidates, US lawmakers and international partners, he said.

“This fall will determine the future of this war,” Zelensky posted on X from his plane before landing in the US. “Together with our partners, we can strengthen our positions as needed for our victory – a shared victory for a truly just peace.” Zelensky kicked off his visit at the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant in Biden’s hometown, where he thanked workers for providing Ukraine with munitions and said the facility would ramp up production of 155mm artillery shells crucial for Kyiv’s war effort.

“It is in places like this where you can truly feel that the democratic world can prevail,” he said. “Thanks to people like these – in Ukraine, in America, and in all partner countries – who work tirelessly to ensure that life is protected.” Zelensky has been pushing Ukraine’s allies to ease restrictions on weapons and although there have been signs of the US shifting its stance, he said Friday they have yet to be given permission.

Zelensky is expected to travel to New York, where he will speak at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday and meet with leaders of the Global South, the G7, Europe and international organizations. He will then travel to Washington for talks with Biden and Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris. “I want to see what she thinks about this victory plan,” he said of Harris. “As I told you, the plan includes not only what is needed from Biden today. But it also includes the fact that we will have a different situation after November. That is, there will be a new president in the United States. And we need to talk to each of the candidates about their perception of this.” (CNN)…[+]