COMMENT: Donald Trump has left himself with a mighty challenge for the final day of the Republican National Convention.

Trump has called into question whether, as president, he would give Nato the assurance that the full force of the US military has their back.

A United States ship visit is something for New Zealand to celebrate, but don't be blowing a trumpet about it or the Americans might be offended.

Donald Trump prepares to give his nomination address today after attempts to forge party unity went up in the flames of lingering bitterness.

John Key is urging Kiwis not to see the return of of the United States Navy to NZ waters as a victory for our anti-nuclear laws and defeat for the US.

COMMENT: There is no doubt that Isis is barbaric, but so are the military responses of the West that contributed to its creation in the first place.

A US ship visit is something for New Zealand to celebrate, but don't be blowing a trumpet about it or the Americans might be offended, writes Audrey Young.

John Key says he is pleased the US has accepted invitation to send a ship, but that our anti-nuclear law means it could be weeks before visit is confirmed.

According to an anonymous staffer, Donald Trump wants a VP who will do the hard yards so he can take a back seat.

Celebrity mogul Donald Trump has achieved a landmark moment in American political history, completing his unlikely conquest of the Republican Party.

COMMENT: It's official. Donald Trump - yes, that one, the one from TV - is legit running for President.

As students of comparative civil-military relations, we were surprised to read the Herald's editorial, "Coup's failure hopeful sign for democracy."

The big rallies and marches in Cleveland have been relatively orderly this week save for a simultaneous proliferation of ad hoc protests.

COMMENT: As Britain's new Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson ponders a worldwide tour, NZ can stand proud as the only country he has not offended.

COMMENT: Donald Trump is adding fuel to Wall Street anxiety about his candidacy, jabbing directly at big banks this week with new language.

COMMENT: They look so accessible and they're talked about as though they're everyone's next door neighbour.

Watch NZ Herald Focus: Russia's participation in the Rio Olympics is still uncertain as the IOC explores legal options for banning the country from the Games. Also Lady Gaga and her fiancé, Taylor Kinney, are ending their 5 year relationship

Trump made a splashy debut on the convention stage to introduce his wife, Melania, whose speech was a highlight of an otherwise uneven evening.

Melania Trump's speech was the high-point of the night - unfortunately it might be because it was copied from Michelle Obama.

COMMENT: Melania said the Trumps will bring kindness, love and compassion to the White House.

Cleveland is getting rowdy as pro-Trump, anti-Trump factions clash ahead of the Republican National Convention.

Russia run a state-sponsored doping programme at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, that’s according to a report out today. Prime Minister John Key says he can't say if he brought up the case of a New Zealander convicted of drug smuggling in Indonesia with its president.

Rage? Rancor? Violence? That wasn't the situation when about 2000 Clevelanders joined hands at the Hope Memorial Bridge.

Having summoned democracy to his side, the Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan may need to be more willing to honour it.

COMMENT: For such a wily campaigner Kevin Rudd has left his run late for the world's top diplomatic post.

COMMENT: After the attack in Nice, Donald Trump was able to promote his idea of banning Muslims in the United States.

Republican Party will be focused on two goals in Convention: reintroducing Donald Trump, and healing the leftover wounds of a brutal primary season.

"I promise you, the President has a big stick."

COMMENT: It is a nation that seems incapable of throwing off the shackles of its racism.