The chapter dives into the recent debate between political figures, focusing on Biden's struggles in articulating his positions, raising concerns about his mental acuity. It discusses critiques on Biden's performance, highlighting the challenges he faced in maintaining a competent image and linking it to potential impacts on the election race and middle-class families. The chapter also explores the aftermath of the debate, including talks of Biden potentially stepping aside as a candidate and potential successors.
America’s president had one primary task at last night’s debate: to close down speculation about his mental faculties. It went so poorly his whole campaign is now in doubt. Tentative results from a newish instrument give tantalising hints that the leading theory on the universe’s makeup might need reworking entirely (10:20). And bullfighting moves from literal arenas to the political arena (18:40).
Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.