The Political Scene | The New Yorker Biden, Trump, and the Challenges of Covering an Aging President
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May 17, 2025 The conversation delves into Joe Biden's declining health and the media's struggle to report on age-related challenges. It contrasts this with Donald Trump's long-standing incoherence, questioning how aging factors into his narrative. Journalists explore the ethical dilemmas and complexities of covering aging political figures, especially surrounding the 25th Amendment. The discussion highlights the need for nuanced media strategies while ensuring accountability in presidential decision-making, emphasizing the importance of connecting policies with real American experiences.
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Biden's Team Delusion or Deception
- Biden's team may have been deluded, not actively deceptive, about his ability to win another term despite age-related decline.
- This delusion shields political figures like Kamala Harris and allows the party to distance from future outcomes.
Insider Bias in Biden Coverage
- A non-White House reporter was shocked by Biden's poor condition at an event, unlike White House reporters who had grown used to it.
- This highlights how regular observers can fail to notice ongoing decline due to familiarity and insider bias.
Journalists Must Risk Access
- Reporters must press harder on uncomfortable truths even at risk of losing White House access.
- Pursue truth about a president's capacity relentlessly despite political or media pressure.
