were meeting to plan an october the 7th—style attack in northern israel. i have a message for the people of lebanon. israel's war is not with you. it's with hezbollah. for too long, hezbollah has been using you as human shields. this is the dilemma that israel faces, that even as it ups- the ante against hezbollah, it is encouraging or it is- inciting, if you like, hezbollah to attack| further into israel. and so far, no sign of those attacks diminishing. - if anything, - they are increasing. netanyahu's not an easy character at all, and he's not likely to do anything unless a cost is inflicted on him that the country can no longer fathom. joining me tonight are the daily mirror columnist

known as fleet street fox, susie boniface, and the former chief of staff to donald trump, mick mulvaney. first, the latest headlines — lebanon's health ministry says israeli air strikes today are now known to have killed over 300 people. more than 1000 have been injured. it's the deadliest day of conflict across israel's northern border since 2006. the israeli military says it's struck 800 hezbollah targets across southern lebanon and the bekaa valley. for the first time, the luxury store harrods tells the bbc it's investigating current staff over rape and sexual assault allegations against the former owner, mohammed al fayed. 0ne ex—employee tells us a manager she believes facilitated fayed's predatory behaviour is still employed by harrods. rachel reeves has used her first labour conference speech as chancellor to rule out a return to austerity when she sets out her budget next month. addressing the audience in liverpool, she said "tough decisions" were needed to deal with the economic legacy left by the conservative government.

ukrainian president volodymyr zelensky is set to present a "plan for victory" in the country's war with russia to presidentjoe biden during this week's visit to the us. the visit coincides with efforts from the white house to prepare a new military aid package for ukraine. if you arejustjoining us, welcome to the programme. israeli warplanes have struck at least 300 sites across lebanon today. it was the deadliest day of fighting in lebanon since 2006. hezbollah have hit back with dozens of rockets. the lebanese health ministry says at least 356 people were killed today and over 1000 injured. maybe the israelis had hoped that by scaling up the attacks this past week, they might force hezbollah to stand down, but that does not appear to be working. hezbollah says the rocket fire will continue until a gaza cease—fire is agreed.

the idf spokesman daniel hagari said they will continue until they had taken down all the threats. hezbollah is it possible for this situation. this is hezbollah�*s plan to turn southern lebanon into a battlefield to invade israel. we cannot accept storing weapons in its civilian homes and examined the fire at other civilian communities. international unity must condemn hezbollah�*s flagrant violation of international law, endangering civilians on both sides of the border. the idf makes vast efforts not to hit civilians and make every effort to mitigate harm to civilians during operational activity. regarding the high number of casualties, everyone is a tragedy in lebanon. among those

killed were large number of hezbollah terrorists who were next to the weapons that we targeted. president biden insists the white house is working to try to try prevent a regional warfrom breaking out, but the ceasefire talks that could unlock the stand off, have gone nowhere. the prime minister can speak for himself and what policies he's trying to pursue, what operations he's trying to conduct. we all, of course, recognise that the tensions are much higher now than they were even just a few days ago. we certainly have been monitoring the reports of strikes back and forth across that border. but all that does, george, is underscore for us how important it is to try to find a diplomatic solution. nobody's pollyannish about how hard that's going to be, certainly in light of the events over the last week or so, but that doesn't mean we're going to give up on it. we don't believe that a military conflict — and we're saying this directly to our israeli counterparts, george — we don't believe that escalating this military conflict is in their best interests. it's certainly not going to be in the best interests of all those people that prime minister netanyahu

says he wants to be able to send back home. that was the national security spokespersonjohn kirby speaking yesterday. let's bring in daniel. what did the israelis make it what they have seen today? what has been the coverage there tonight and what is a security situation in the country now?— is a security situation in the country now? well the israeli military said _ country now? well the israeli military said they _ country now? well the israeli military said they have - country now? well the israeli military said they have had i country now? well the israeli military said they have had a | military said they have had a bil military said they have had a big success _ military said they have had a big success today, _ military said they have had a big success today, that - military said they have had a big success today, that they| big success today, that they have — big success today, that they have destroyed _ big success today, that they have destroyed thousands l big success today, that they. have destroyed thousands upon thousands— have destroyed thousands upon thousands of— have destroyed thousands upon thousands of rockets, - have destroyed thousands upon thousands of rockets, that - have destroyed thousands upon thousands of rockets, that theyj thousands of rockets, that they have _ thousands of rockets, that they have struck— thousands of rockets, that they have struck 1300 _ thousands of rockets, that they have struck 1300 targets. - thousands of rockets, that they have struck 1300 targets. they| have struck 1300 targets. they are saying _ have struck 1300 targets. they are saying they— have struck 1300 targets. they are saying they are _ have struck 1300 targets. they are saying they are going - are saying they are going to keep— are saying they are going to keep going _ are saying they are going to keep going with _ are saying they are going to keep going with this - are saying they are going to| keep going with this military campaign _ keep going with this military campaign until— keep going with this military campaign until they- keep going with this military campaign until they achievel campaign until they achieve their— campaign until they achieve their goal. _ campaign until they achieve their goal, which— campaign until they achieve their goal, which is- campaign until they achieve their goal, which is to - campaign until they achieve their goal, which is to get l their goal, which is to get 60.000 _ their goal, which is to get 60,000 odd _ their goal, which is to get 60,000 odd israelis- their goal, which is to get 60,000 odd israelis in. their goal, which is to get - 60,000 odd israelis in northern israei— 60,000 odd israelis in northern israei who— 60,000 odd israelis in northern israel who have _ 60,000 odd israelis in northern israel who have been _ 60,000 odd israelis in northern israel who have been displacedl israel who have been displaced due to — israel who have been displaced due to hezbollah _ israel who have been displaced due to hezbollah rocket - israel who have been displaced due to hezbollah rocket fire. i due to hezbollah rocket fire. as we — due to hezbollah rocket fire. as we have _ due to hezbollah rocket fire. as we have seen, _ due to hezbollah rocket fire. as we have seen, hezbollahl due to hezbollah rocket fire. i as we have seen, hezbollah is still firing _ as we have seen, hezbollah is still firing rockets _ as we have seen, hezbollah is still firing rockets to _ as we have seen, hezbollah is still firing rockets to that - still firing rockets to that goal _ still firing rockets to that goal has _ still firing rockets to that goal has not _ still firing rockets to that goal has not been - still firing rockets to that goal has not been as- still firing rockets to that goal has not been as she still firing rockets to that - goal has not been as she pulls up goal has not been as she pulls up that— goal has not been as she pulls up that leaves _ goal has not been as she pulls up that leaves the _ goal has not been as she pulls up that leaves the goal- goal has not been as she pulls up that leaves the goal of- up that leaves the goal of what next _ up that leaves the goal of what next will — up that leaves the goal of what next will the _ up that leaves the goal of what next will the israeli _ up that leaves the goal of what next will the israeli military - next will the israeli military do. next will the israeli military d0~ during _ next will the israeli military do. during the _

next will the israeli military do. during the statement, i next will the israeli military i do. during the statement, the spokesperson _ do. during the statement, the spokesperson said _ do. during the statement, the spokesperson said and - do. during the statement, the spokesperson said and had - spokesperson said and had questions _ spokesperson said and had questions read _ spokesperson said and had questions read out - spokesperson said and had questions read out to - spokesperson said and had questions read out to himl spokesperson said and had - questions read out to him from reporters— questions read out to him from reporters to _ questions read out to him from reporters to habits _ questions read out to him from reporters to habits and - questions read out to him from reporters to habits and in - questions read out to him from reporters to habits and in and i reporters to habits and in and two of— reporters to habits and in and two of those _ reporters to habits and in and two of those wanted - reporters to habits and in and two of those wanted to - reporters to habits and in and two of those wanted to is - reporters to habits and in and i two of those wanted to is there going _ two of those wanted to is there going to — two of those wanted to is there going to be _ two of those wanted to is there going to be a _ two of those wanted to is there going to be a ground _ two of those wanted to is there going to be a ground incursionl going to be a ground incursion by israeli _ going to be a ground incursion by israeli troops _ going to be a ground incursion by israeli troops and _ going to be a ground incursion by israeli troops and asking i going to be a ground incursion by israeli troops and asking ifi by israeli troops and asking if there — by israeli troops and asking if there was— by israeli troops and asking if there was a _ by israeli troops and asking if there was a ground _ by israeli troops and asking if| there was a ground incursion, if the — there was a ground incursion, if the order— there was a ground incursion, if the order came _ there was a ground incursion, if the order came to - there was a ground incursion, if the order came to me - there was a ground incursion, if the order came to me how. if the order came to me how ready— if the order came to me how ready with _ if the order came to me how ready with the _ if the order came to me how ready with the army - if the order came to me how ready with the army be? - if the order came to me how ready with the army be? he| if the order came to me how- ready with the army be? he said the army— ready with the army be? he said the army is _ ready with the army be? he said the army is in _ ready with the army be? he said the army is in a _ ready with the army be? he said the army is in a full— ready with the army be? he said the army is in a full state - the army is in a full state of readiness _ the army is in a full state of readiness. and _ the army is in a full state of readiness. and the - the army is in a full state of readiness. and the militaryl readiness. and the military will— readiness. and the military will do _ readiness. and the military will do whatever— readiness. and the military will do whatever it - readiness. and the military will do whatever it takes i readiness. and the military will do whatever it takes toj will do whatever it takes to achieve _ will do whatever it takes to achieve its _ will do whatever it takes to achieve its goals. - will do whatever it takes to achieve its goals. so- will do whatever it takes to achieve its goals. so at - will do whatever it takes to achieve its goals. so at the moment, _ achieve its goals. so at the moment, there _ achieve its goals. so at the moment, there is- achieve its goals. so at the moment, there is no - achieve its goals. so at the moment, there is no signs| achieve its goals. so at the . moment, there is no signs of this— moment, there is no signs of this stopping _ moment, there is no signs of this stopping. the _ moment, there is no signs of this stopping. the micro- moment, there is no signs of this stopping. the micro thel this stopping. the micro the military— this stopping. the micro the military so— this stopping. the micro the military so they _ this stopping. the micro the military so they will - this stopping. the micro the military so they will keep i military so they will keep going _ military so they will keep going and _ military so they will keep going and hezbollah - military so they will keep . going and hezbollah saying they're _ going and hezbollah saying they're going _ going and hezbollah saying they're going to _ going and hezbollah saying they're going to keep - going and hezbollah saying j they're going to keep going going and hezbollah saying. they're going to keep going as well — they're going to keep going as well in — they're going to keep going as well. in terms _ they're going to keep going as well. in terms of _ they're going to keep going as well. in terms of the - they're going to keep going as well. in terms of the secured. well. in terms of the secured situation _ well. in terms of the secured situation in _ well. in terms of the secured situation in the _ well. in terms of the secured situation in the country, - situation in the country, hezbollah _ situation in the country, hezbollah is _ situation in the country, hezbollah is content - situation in the country, l hezbollah is content firing rockets _ hezbollah is content firing rockets today _ hezbollah is content firing rockets today into - hezbollah is content firingl rockets today into northern israel _ rockets today into northern israel. there _ rockets today into northern israel. there is _ rockets today into northern israel. there is been - rockets today into northern israel. there is been sirens throughout— israel. there is been sirens throughout northern - israel. there is been sirens throughout northern israel| israel. there is been sirens. throughout northern israel all day — throughout northern israel all day as— throughout northern israel all day. as from _ throughout northern israel all day. as from yesterday, - throughout northern israel all| day. as from yesterday, there are restrictions _ day. as from yesterday, there are restrictions on _ day. as from yesterday, there are restrictions on schools, i day. as from yesterday, there j are restrictions on schools, on hospitals, _ are restrictions on schools, on hospitals, people _ are restrictions on schools, on hospitals, people are - are restrictions on schools, on hospitals, people are not - hospitals, people are not allowed _ hospitals, people are not allowed to _ hospitals, people are not allowed to go _ hospitals, people are not allowed to go to - hospitals, people are not allowed to go to the - hospitals, people are not . allowed to go to the beach, people _ allowed to go to the beach, people have _ allowed to go to the beach, people have to _ allowed to go to the beach, people have to be - allowed to go to the beach, people have to be near- people have to be near protected _ people have to be near protected spaces - people have to be near protected spaces at - people have to be near protected spaces at all| people have to be near- protected spaces at all times in the — protected spaces at all times in the north— protected spaces at all times in the north of— protected spaces at all times in the north of the _ protected spaces at all times in the north of the country. l in the north of the country. that— in the north of the country. that is— in the north of the country. that is not— in the north of the country. that is not been— in the north of the country. that is not been extendedl in the north of the country. i that is not been extended to the whole _ that is not been extended to the whole country _ that is not been extended to the whole country yet, - that is not been extended to the whole country yet, but . the whole country yet, but there _ the whole country yet, but there have _ the whole country yet, but there have certainly- the whole country yet, but

there have certainly beenl there have certainly been worried _ there have certainly been worried here _ there have certainly been worried here about - there have certainly been worried here about whatl there have certainly been - worried here about what might come — worried here about what might come next _ worried here about what might come next and _ worried here about what might come next and if _ worried here about what might come next and if this - worried here about what might come next and if this conflict l come next and if this conflict escalates _ come next and if this conflict escalates further— come next and if this conflict escalates further given - come next and if this conflict escalates further given the l escalates further given the people _ escalates further given the people know _ escalates further given the people know that - escalates further given the | people know that hezbollah escalates further given the - people know that hezbollah have been assessed _ people know that hezbollah have been assessed to _ people know that hezbollah have been assessed to have _ people know that hezbollah have been assessed to have very - been assessed to have very commit _ been assessed to have very commit very— been assessed to have very commit very significant - been assessed to have very - commit very significant weapons capabilities— commit very significant weapons capabilities beyond _ commit very significant weapons capabilities beyond that - commit very significant weapons capabilities beyond that which i capabilities beyond that which they have _ capabilities beyond that which they have displayed _ capabilities beyond that which they have displayed so - capabilities beyond that which they have displayed so far. i they have displayed so far. daniel— they have displayed so far. daniel in _ they have displayed so far. daniel injerusalem, - they have displayed so far. daniel injerusalem, thank| they have displayed so far. - daniel injerusalem, thank you very much for that. let's bring in the panel now. joining us on our panel tonight susie boniface, a daily mirror columnist know as the fleet street fox, and mick mulvaney, former chief of staff to donald trump when he was in the white house. let's start with the american response because the white house officials admit they only have limited influence on israel potter military decisions and so they are working, they say, to reach an understanding about the escalation dial. if a country cannot fight without your help, do you not have influence over its military decisions? t0 do you not have influence over its military decisions?- its military decisions? to a certain extent _ its military decisions? to a certain extent you - its military decisions? to a certain extent you have - certain extent you have influence always, but i think

influence always, but i think in an extreme case we were to say abandon israel entirely, do you think the israel will simply give up? i think the bite administration has done about what is expected to do most of its tried to broker a peace, try to broker a cease—fire and they keep running up against hezbollah path or refusal to release whatever hostages might still be remaining. so you have to dumb even as member of the opposition party in the country, ifeel for opposition party in the country, ifeelforthe country, i feel for the administration because country, ifeelforthe administration because they do have limited available options to them. and they still believe that israel is probably in the right, that israel was attacked on october the 7th after not to defend itself, etc and hezbollah is displacing 50,000 israeli citizens in the northern country respect the right to go it is nothing about that. so i don't it comes as a surprise anybody that there is no easy solution to the circumstance. i no easy solution to the circumstance.- no easy solution to the circumstance. i get that and understand _ circumstance. i get that and understand of _ circumstance. i get that and understand of these - circumstance. i get that and understand of these life - circumstance. i get that and j understand of these life and circumstance. i get that and i understand of these life and as you say that by the bite administration has been pretty thorough throughout that it believes israel has a right to defend itself and that the truck is been coming over and

over the last 11 months. but equally this has applications for us troops in the region. there are 40,000 there's a moment and they're having to send more troops and troops based in the region who are now at a heightened sense of risk. so when the administration asked israel to refrain from certain actions like a ground invasion orfrom certain actions like a ground invasion or from wide—ranging strikes which might drag them into this risk factor, would not if it did to be listened to? , . ., , ., to? out expected to listen to and respected _ to? out expected to listen to and respected but _ to? out expected to listen to and respected but i - to? out expected to listen to and respected but i don't - to? out expected to listen to and respected but i don't us| and respected but i don't us with them to automatically go along with it. i think you yourself in the is really she was here. if somebody came to you is to stop and you look at them and say no, they are bombing city thousand of our peoples what would you want us to stop was meant as a legitimate concern i think that the problem in america has a lot of the western edge is that as much as we hate to see the devastation is much of me really hate to see the escalation, websites and circumstances as part of the status quo. it's not going to be easily resolved no one here

wants escalation come of this is always a risk in the area and that's not least on the fact that what's driving this is the iranian attempt to exert influence over it hezbollah and influence over it hezbollah and in gaza and so forth. so i know in gaza and so forth. so i know in the immediate term it's easy to look at israel and i'll have to look at israel and i'll have to do is stop, but really the answer is awry needs to stop doing all this because that's what got us here. flit doing all this because that's what got us here.— doing all this because that's what got us here. of course is never far— what got us here. of course is never far from _ what got us here. of course is never far from the _ what got us here. of course is never far from the surface - what got us here. of course is| never far from the surface here in the uk either. we had a heckler in the hall today who stopped rachel reeves to chancellor in mid flow. we have had david lehman calling for an immediate cease—fire and of course he is not have anywhere near the leverage of the us so where do you think the labour government is tonight on where things stand in lebanon? i think the british government is in the — think the british government is in the same position every british— in the same position every british government has been since — british government has been since the cold war which is doing — since the cold war which is doing what america is going to be doing — doing what america is going to be doing and that fact is the american government is being led lry— american government is being led by men at the moment it will not — led by men at the moment it will not be in a job in two months' _ will not be in a job in two months' time. as it was far as

net and — months' time. as it was far as net and i_ months' time. as it was far as net and i was concerned, you literally— net and i was concerned, you literally have to worry about who — literally have to worry about who biden fosse successor is going — who biden fosse successor is going to _ who biden fosse successor is going to be and whether that is harris — going to be and whether that is harris a — going to be and whether that is harris a trunk full service bar at the — harris a trunk full service bar at the polls and to be saying at the polls and to be saying at the — at the polls and to be saying at the moment is going to beat donald — at the moment is going to beat donald trump and he is very pro—israel. and so he is not too — pro—israel. and so he is not too concerned. if kamala looks like she — too concerned. if kamala looks like she might win is to cover the polls— like she might win is to cover the polls you might see some change — the polls you might see some change but a huge amount of what's — change but a huge amount of what's going on in israel and the actions that netanyahu is taking — the actions that netanyahu is taking is— the actions that netanyahu is taking is because of his own internal— taking is because of his own internal politics. so you've get — internal politics. so you've get on _ internal politics. so you've get on with your president in the us, _ get on with your president in the us, a _ get on with your president in the us, a government here in the us, a government here in the uk — the us, a government here in the uk he _ the us, a government here in the uk he was not going to do with— the uk he was not going to do with the — the uk he was not going to do with the us is not going to do and you — with the us is not going to do and you have within israel a prime — and you have within israel a prime minister of a very shaky coalition— prime minister of a very shaky coalition that in a country that's— coalition that in a country that's been under war and his fellow— that's been under war and his fellow under warfarin like long—time, is feeling that it has — long—time, is feeling that it has to— long—time, is feeling that it has to launch attacks both to substantiate and support his own — substantiate and support his own government in totally which is facing — own government in totally which is facing medical protest of the ways handle this and to continue _ the ways handle this and to continue presenting a big bad bogeyman of the citizens into the rest — bogeyman of the citizens into the rest of the world essay is not my— the rest of the world essay is not my file, if the other guy

is my— not my file, if the other guy is my fault. not my file, if the other guy is my fault-— is my fault. there has been some political— is my fault. there has been some political risk - is my fault. there has been some political risk for - is my fault. there has been some political risk for the l some political risk for the labour party in their support for the israeli position. do you sense and i know you're spending some time around the mall this week, do you sense that support for israel is wavering, the ambassador to the uk from israel said the uk is still considered to be a friend and is disappointing when your friend is not always come along with the. do you sense there is a separation now between this labour government and the last conservative government? t0 conservative government? to some extent, but also member things— some extent, but also member things and change in israel since — things and change in israel since the last conservative government. and so you have a situation — government. and so you have a situation where no matter which way a _ situation where no matter which way a government goes, if you are pro—israel or pro—palestine or pro—lebanon or pro—hezbollah—mac or pro—hamas—mac, you will be alienating _ pro—hamas—mac, you will be alienating one part of your electorate. no one can afford to alienate the muslim part of the electorate any more than they— the electorate any more than they can _ the electorate any more than they can afford to alienate the jewish— they can afford to alienate the jewish part and whether that's in the — jewish part and whether that's in the uk _ jewish part and whether that's in the uk or the us. jewish part and whether that's in the uk orthe us. and jewish part and whether that's in the uk or the us. and so therefore _ in the uk or the us. and so therefore any sensible politician has to tackle between the two of the states.

the safe — between the two of the states. the safe we support israel in the right— the safe we support israel in the right to exist but we don't support its residue but itjust adjustment. and the same goes for palestine and the right of goes adjustment. and the same goes for palestine and the right of the determination and the fact the determination and the fact that hamas and hezbollah in that hamas and hezbollah in watson _ that hamas and hezbollah in watson when lebanon is not watson _ that hamas and hezbollah in watson when lebanon is not really — watson when lebanon is not really ideal either. if you really — watson when lebanon is not really ideal either. if you find _ really ideal either. if you find a _ really ideal either. if you find a way through it and find _ really ideal either. if you find a _ really ideal either. if you find a way through it and unfortunately that is something unfortunately that is something that is— that is— unfortunately that is something that is not going to please unfortunately that is something that is not going to please anybody. that is not going to please anybody. that is not going to please anybody-— anybody. just with the anybody-— politician _ anybody. just with the politician hat - anybody. just with the politician hat on - anybody. just with the politician hat on and i anybody. just with the - politician hat on and chipping that is not going to please anybody. on _ that is not going to please anybody.- on and - that is not going to please anybody. jus on and chipping away whether a sentiment is for politician hat on and chipping away whether a sentiment is for israel, do you think netanyahu israel, do you think netanyahu is seeing a political is seeing a political opportunity here because opportunity here because neither donald trump nor kamala neither donald trump nor kamala harris will ask them to rein in harris will ask them to rein in ajob i probably ajob i probably harris will ask them to rein in a job i probably will not want to something like that for fear harris will ask them to rein in a job i probably will not want to something like that for fear of upsetting the balance in the of upsetting the balance in the election. so that they have a election. so that they have a three month window here and do three month window here and do you think that's what he's you think that's what he's looking at? i you think that's what he's looking at? i you think that's what he's looking at?— looking at?— you think that's what he's looking at? i mean, ithink what she — looking at? i mean, ithink what she said _ looking at? i mean, ithink you think that's what he's looking at? i mean, ithink what she — looking at? i mean, ithink what she said _ looking at? i mean, ithink what she said i _ looking at? i mean, ithink what she said i agree - looking at? i mean, ithink what she said i _ looking at? i mean, ithink what she said i agree - looking at? i mean, ithink what she said i agree with | looking at? i mean, i think. what she said i agree with the part that has me scratching my what she said i agree with | looking at? i mean, i think. what she said i agree with the part that has me scratching my headisif headisif part that has me scratching my head is if you listen to what part that has me scratching my head is if you listen to what kamala harris has been saying kamala harris has been saying come out of it she sang come out of it she sang anything different than what anything different than what biden's been doing or what drop biden's been doing or what drop is talked about. yes you much is talked about. yes you much

of his perceived as more of his perceived as more pro—israel and i get that. but i don't know how that manifests

welcome back. the latest polls from the new york times/ siena college show donald trump is ahead in arizona and leading in the tight races in georgia and north carolina. some welcome good news for his camp after a rough few weeks. trump is ahead by five in arizona, which is quite the turnaround since august,

when kamala harris was five points ahead. in georgia, trump is ahead by four points. remember, georgia is especially critical to the former president's chances at taking the white house, as is north carolina. trump is ahead by two points there. but in a sign ofjust how close these contests remain, around 15% of the electorate in all three states says they are as yet undecided or not definitely decided. in the thing about this polling, the favorability rating of kamala harris, which isjumped i think 16 points sincejuly. which is an extraordinaryjob. infact sincejuly. which is an extraordinary job. in fact with the in historical context, with nothing above like that for someone around the presidency since george w. bush post 9/11. so if it's a turn election, you see that is significant? certainly significant. i think it's a historical accident civilly because kamala harris

comes in this race of the radical unknown. keep in mind very tight race is not you would love to havt oer momentum very tight race is not you would love to havt of the omentum comes in this race of the radical unknown. keep in mind to depressing how few americans to depressing how few americans know who the sitting vice know who the sitting vice president is in any given time. president is in any given time. “p president is in any given time. up untiljuly, joe biden was a “p president is in any given time. up untiljuly, joe biden was a nominee for the democrat party nominee for the democrat party since he came in as a virtual since he came in as a virtual unknown so she had a large unknown so she had a large number of people saying anything about two weeks ago number of people saying anything about two weeks ago that there was a new york times that there was a new york times pulling out the said as many as 30% of american voters did not know enough about her to have anything about two weeks ago that there wa about n york times anything about two weeks ago that there wa about her yrk times anything about two weeks ago that there wa about her to times anything about two weeks ago that there wa about her to have 5 know enough about her to have an opinion. so she had a lot of an opinion. so she had a lot of work to do but had a lot of upsidejthat ” 7 w 7 7' upside that she could make up. upside7thatshe7 77 7 77 upsidethat 54501167 7 77 upsidethat éiietéuléhiapeup. so as a politician you want that trend. there is no question about it. has it really translated yet into huge upside7that she7cc7has7nak7e7up. upsidethat she7cc7has7itik7e7up. question about it. has it really translated yet into huge leads and all the swing states leads and all the swing states with might know, if you can see with might know, if you can see it's going to be close with the it's going to be close with the passing pulling that as are passing pulling that as are applicable to points in arizona, tied in north carolina tied in north carolina but the polls are all around arizona, tied in north carolina but the polls it will be 50-50, 40 48, it will be extraordinarily tight. she is 50-50, 40 48, it will be extraordinarily tight. she is in and i thinkjenny vance in north on today and she is there in and i thinkjenny vance in north on today and she is there later today. north on today and she is there latertoday. it's north on today and she is there later today. it's going to be a later today. you

very tight race is not you would love to have the momentum very tight race is not you would love us about

interviews not putting us about policy but the point i would make is the more she does, actually the more people seem to like it and that's why she probably wants another debate. yeah i probably want donald trump — yeah i probably want donald trump does not want to give her that other— trump does not want to give her that other debate. it was interesting is that his or her ability, _ interesting is that his or her ability, to— interesting is that his or her ability, to come is a pretty high — ability, to come is a pretty high it— ability, to come is a pretty high it is— ability, to come is a pretty high. it is not far off hearse. and — high. it is not far off hearse. and he — high. it is not far off hearse. and he got an election here between two candidates, the more — between two candidates, the more of— between two candidates, the more of whom you see above, whether— more of whom you see above, whether it's good or bad, there voters — whether it's good or bad, there voters seem to favour them more highly _ voters seem to favour them more highly ih— voters seem to favour them more highly. in thatjust makes voters seem to favour them more highly. in that just makes the vote — highly. in that just makes the vote even more divisive. because _ vote even more divisive. because there isjust no middle ground — because there isjust no middle ground anywhere between the two of them _ ground anywhere between the two of them. they have not had an election— of them. they have not had an election where both candidates have _ election where both candidates have such a high rating favorability and quite a long time — favorability and quite a long time. usually some of the previous— time. usually some of the previous ones they've had ratings _ previous ones they've had ratings in the 30s or 20s even. so to— ratings in the 30s or 20s even. so to have _ ratings in the 30s or 20s even. so to have them both being quite — so to have them both being quite popular in their bases is a plus— quite popular in their bases is a plus i'm _ quite popular in their bases is a plus i'm for them but it does mean — a plus i'm for them but it does mean is — a plus i'm for them but it does mean is well that that's why you are _ mean is well that that's why you are in _ mean is well that that's why you are in this swing state other— you are in this swing state other places, people cannot

only— other places, people cannot only pick— other places, people cannot only pick because it's going with— only pick because it's going with the _ only pick because it's going with the basin going with your gut, _ with the basin going with your gut, who is the one you prefer, the woman— gut, who is the one you prefer, the woman of colour or liberal or the — the woman of colour or liberal or the old _ the woman of colour or liberal or the old white guy who is less— or the old white guy who is less liberal. that'sjust or the old white guy who is less liberal. that's just what it's going _ less liberal. that's just what it's going to come down to when the end — it's going to come down to when the end but we will see donald trump — the end but we will see donald trump as— the end but we will see donald trump as well, the more he has been _ trump as well, the more he has been convicted of things in the more — been convicted of things in the more he's _ been convicted of things in the more he's been accused of things— more he's been accused of things in— more he's been accused of things in the more courts have found — things in the more courts have found against him for it is not seem — found against him for it is not seem to — found against him for it is not seem to affect him or did him at alt — seem to affect him or did him at alt so— seem to affect him or did him at all. so the favourite son might _ at all. so the favourite son might not north carolina is in your— might not north carolina is in your state. might not north carolina is in your state-— your state. i'm about seven feet from — your state. i'm about seven feet from it _ your state. i'm about seven feet from it but _ your state. i'm about seven i feet from it but south carolina but the two states but up against each other. i’zre but the two states but up against each other. i've done the election _ against each other. i've done the election in _ against each other. i've done the election in north - against each other. i've donej the election in north carolina is going blue and it's always red and it has been certainly since 2016 but 0bama won in 2008. the one about this nominee for governor? the republican nominee for governor in north carolina, mark robinson, is in all sorts of trouble. most of his campaign staff

resigned over the weekend over a cnn report that he once called himself a "black nazi!" and defended slavery on a pornographic forum he was logging in to. currently he is trailing the democrat, attorney general josh stein, 47—37%, although these allegation dropped after most of this polling was completed. if he finished? probably i think he _ if he finished? probably i think he is _ if he finished? probably i think he is finished - if he finished? probably i think he is finished the l if he finished? probably i i think he is finished the data if he finished? probably i - think he is finished the data i have had in north going to say he is about 60 and was about ten beforehand. always a weak candidate. a great public and primary candidate that that on some supporter but we always knew he was going to struggle in north carolina because it is sort of a sling, state and he is a very, very maga republican candidate. it will not help donald trump to have a second quy donald trump to have a second guy behind you on the ticket deepin guy behind you on the ticket deep in scandal and down by 16 points it does not help donald trump but i don't think it hurts them very much. there are

not many voters if any who are i might be mark robinson got and i'm going to go vote for him and also going to look for donald trump. they are all going to for donald trump and they were going to vote for mark robinson after that and now they probably are not going to. so again it does not help donald trump and i'm not sure it hurts that much. if donald trump and i'm not sure it hurts that much. iii donald trump and i'm not sure it hurts that much.— it hurts that much. if i were to ush it hurts that much. if i were to push back _ it hurts that much. if i were to push back though, - it hurts that much. if i were to push back though, this i it hurts that much. if i were j to push back though, this is amanda cuskelly tells us that he hires best people, he hired you so maybe he get some of them right, i don't know. but he also hired mark robinson when there were lots of rumours out there. and they're all a people who say some of his primary pics have been disastrous and you look at doug masterjan ellen pennsylvania who lost to josh masterjan ellen pennsylvania who lost tojosh shapiro, that was a governor see that they could have nabbed. and you look at this a number of times across states. is it a discussion in republican circles that actually the people he is pushing in primaries are not that good for the party?— the party? absolutely is a discussion _ the party? absolutely is a discussion with _ the party? absolutely is a discussion with the - the party? absolutely is a - discussion with the republicans will not a discussion with the

wreck and file voter. they don't care. the folks in the coming out to donald trump don't care that he is going to lose governor race in northland and left a couple of senate races in georgia in might lose governor race in pennsylvania. he is really bad at picking candidates who can win in general election. he is pretty picking folks who can win remic in primaries but again that's an inside the beltway, is of the media sort of discussion. the ordinary person going to vote for the entrepreneur member does not care that lake is down in arizona are we lost tooth senate seats in arizona or georgia. they want to vote for him. ~ ., or georgia. they want to vote forhim.~ ., , ,,, or georgia. they want to vote forhim., ., , , , , ., for him. what surprises me and as many modern _ for him. what surprises me and as many modern politics - for him. what surprises me and as many modern politics but. as many modern politics but somebody because of a black nazi or would like to bring back slavery is not immediately resigning from the race. he is campaigning but the staff of god but he sticks in the reason he is ticking and thus a brutally honest about this is because the minute the top sticks around in spite of everything, despite of all the allegations he has faced. mark

robinson is not going to go get the boss does not go. what robinson is not going to go get the boss does not go. what can ou sa , the boss does not go. what can you say, america? _ the boss does not go. what can you say, america? i _ the boss does not go. what can you say, america? ithink- the boss does not go. what can you say, america? i think it's . you say, america? i think it's more — you say, america? i think it's more of— you say, america? i think it's more of an— you say, america? i think it's more of an issue perhaps for donald — more of an issue perhaps for donald trump and for where he is aware — donald trump and for where he is aware his supporters are as well— is aware his supporters are as well on — is aware his supporters are as well on those sort of down ticket _ well on those sort of down ticket elections is that he has been — ticket elections is that he has been outputted to talk about the possibility of them losing. if the possibility of them losing. if you — the possibility of them losing. if you are _ the possibility of them losing. if you are going to have a strong man in quotation marks candidate _ strong man in quotation marks candidate who does not have about — candidate who does not have about the scandals or care that the courts _ about the scandals or care that the courts and the voters don't mind _ the courts and the voters don't mind too— the courts and the voters don't mind too much about that, what they— mind too much about that, what they will— mind too much about that, what they will care about is that strong _ they will care about is that strong man suddenly starting to look weak. that is the thing that— look weak. that is the thing that will— look weak. that is the thing that will damage donald trump's brand _ that will damage donald trump's brand and the brand for those who— brand and the brand for those who were _ brand and the brand for those who were sort of trying to write _ who were sort of trying to write a _ who were sort of trying to write a power on his coat—tails for more — write a power on his coat—tails for more than anything else. just — for more than anything else. just switch it to harris finally, one issue that really puzzles me is that she is very weak with non—college—educated white voters who are a bigger percentage of the vote in the street midwest states. and yet she is pulling away a little bit in the poll. what's going on there? by,

bit in the poll. what's going on there?— on there? a tradition disconnect _ on there? a tradition disconnect the - on there? a tradition - disconnect the democrat party has had for the last couple election cycles and will propel donald trump to victory in 2016 and made the race as close as was in 2020 whenjoe biden one is the democrats have a problem here in a public it's a positive problem sort of appealing to the elite, right? and they have with donald trump sort of change that to make it more of a working—class party. now the democrats are dealing this label that they are too elitist, they are all and they don't connect with the rank and they don't connect with the rank—and—file middle—class voters out in the hinterland. as a challenge they will face and harris, a highly educated california liberal trying to close that gap.— close that gap. we'll talk about labour— close that gap. we'll talk about labour politics - close that gap. we'll talk about labour politics of l close that gap. we'll talk i about labour politics of the side of the break and we have susie in liverpool so she is well—placed but we willjust tell you the updated figures from lebanon. updated figures from lebanon. updated figures from the public health emergency operations centre,

they are saying that the death toll across lebanon today, 492 people, 492, that includes 35 children and 58 women and they also say that 1645, 1645, had been injured in those blast. you've from daniel hagari today some of the pictures of the strikes out across southern lebanon, in the bekaa valley and also in deraa where micro to in south beirut. lots of strikes across the country and secondary explosions which is why the answer to a high death toll of so many people injured. you are up to speed with that and we will continue to talk politics in the side of the brakes and to stay with us, we will be right back. hello. heavy rain over the past 48 hours has led to some significant and fairly widespread flooding, particularly across some

central and southern parts of england. here's the radar, which shows where the rain has been falling over recent hours. we've had a hook of rain across northern england and wales that's been quite patchy, but this zone of wet weather has been particularly persistent across central southern parts of england. so there's still an amber warning in force until 9pm this evening for that heavy rain likely to lead to a bit more disruption. but the rainfall will start to ease away as we head through the last part of this evening and overnight, too. so there's the low pressure that brought us all that slow moving rainfall, which is going to be clearing away out into the north sea as we move through tonight. still another few hours of rain across parts of central and southern england. we've also got some wet weather moving in across the north and north—east of scotland as well, turning breezier here. most other places staying largely dry overnight. just a bit of drizzly rain lingering in the east, i think. temperatures staying between about 8—14 in our towns and cities, so we're not looking at any frost overnight tonight. so tuesday, then, a much improved day compared to the past couple of days. still a few showers around across parts of england, wales and northern ireland. and for scotland, we've got some rain that'll sit

across the north and the east. quite breezy here, too. some sunshine for the south west of scotland. top temperatures between about 10—18 degrees north to south, but at least we will have lost the heavy, persistent rain. although the flooding across parts of central and southern england will take a few days to recede. a window of dry weather as we move through into the middle of the week. so low pressure out towards the east and down towards the south—west, that will throw the next batch of wet weather in from the south—west later on wednesday. i think most areas start off on a dry note, could be some early fog patches around. later in the day, that rain arrives across parts of southern england and wales, too. but before it gets there, sunny spells not particularly warm — 10—16 for most of us. slightly milder air down towards the channel islands and the far southwest behind that area of rain. but that rain pushes its way north overnight wednesday night and on into thursday, so it could be quite persistent again on thursday and falling on areas where we've seen a lot of rainfall recently, so some saturated ground could be a few more flooding issues as we look towards the end of the week. so thursday, a pretty wet, blustery sort of day again, not particularly warm, 11—17 degrees.

and then towards the end of the week, so friday and into saturday, it looks like things turn a little bit quieter and drier, but also cooler, too.

hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. the uk's chancellor says tough decisions will be made in the upcoming budget, but

insists there will be no return to austerity.