John Prideaux, The Economist's U.S. editor, provides sharp insights into the current political landscape surrounding President Biden's potential reelection. He discusses the rising worries among Democrats as Trump gains a lead in polls, questioning Biden's reluctance to step aside for younger leadership. The conversation shifts to intriguing treasures from a shipwreck off Colombia's coast, where ownership debates intensify. Additionally, he explores Finland's innovative strategies to attract foreign students to address demographic challenges in education.
Internal pressure within the Democratic party questions Joe Biden's leadership capabilities and electability as the potential nominee.
The ownership dispute over the treasure-laden shipwreck San Jose off Colombia's coast involves Colombia, Spain, Indigenous groups, and an American salvage company, highlighting conflicting interests and historical preservation concerns.
Deep dives
Joe Biden's Nomination Uncertainty
Amidst the American elections, uncertainty surrounds Joe Biden's potential as the Democratic nominee. Calls within the party for a different candidate have emerged, citing concerns over his performance and electability. A growing movement within the Democrats questions Biden's ability to lead the party to victory, with several members openly suggesting a change of nominee. Despite Biden's commitment to staying in the race, internal and public pressure raise doubts about his candidacy, especially considering his polling deficit against Donald Trump.
The San Jose Shipwreck Controversy
The discovery of the Spanish galleon San Jose, a treasure-laden shipwreck off Colombia's coast, has sparked a contentious ownership dispute. Colombia, Spain, Indigenous groups, and an American salvage company all lay claim to the valuable cargo. Colombia's governmental project aims to explore the wreck's treasures but emphasizes scientific exploration over retrieval. The project's success hinges on resolving ownership disputes, securing necessary resources, and balancing historical preservation with financial gains.
Finnish Schools' Foreign Student Initiative
Due to declining school-age populations in Finland, a Finnish startup initiates a program to bring students from developing countries to Finnish schools. This unique approach seeks to address population decline, offer foreign students a Finnish education, and potentially combat the country's skills gap. By attracting teenage students from abroad, Finland aims to cultivate talent through language acquisition and educational opportunities. The program, though controversial, presents a strategic solution to demographic challenges and skills shortages in the long run.
Democrats’ worried murmurs have become public statements. Polls give Donald Trump a widening lead. Why won’t President Biden make way for a younger successor? Off Colombia’s coast a shipwreck bursting with treasures is about to be plundered, but who owns that loot is hotly contested (10:12). And why Finnish schools are trying to lure in more foreign students (17:43).