The Daily

Joe Biden’s 30-Year Quest

Aug 20, 2020

Matt Flegenheimer, a national politics reporter for The New York Times, joins Joe Biden, the former Vice President and current Democratic presidential nominee, to discuss Biden's long political journey. They explore Biden's early blunders and the personal tragedies shaping his career. The conversation shifts to his evolution from a Senate stalwart to a VP under Obama, revealing the resilience that defines his candidacy. The duo also reflects on how his experiences with loss influence his leadership vision, especially as he faces the November election.

33:29

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Episode guests

Joe Biden

Matt Flegenheimer

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

A New Vision for Leadership and the Quest for the Presidency

2min

Biden's Early Struggles and Controversies

5min

Biden's Political Evolution

11min

Heartfelt Acknowledgments and Impactful Advertisements

2min

Biden's Bittersweet Journey to 2020

9min

The Emotional Turmoil of a Presidential Announcement

2min

Unveiling Truths in Journalism

4min

Joseph R. Biden Jr. first ran for president in 1988, when his campaign was cut short after he made a series of blunders. After six terms in the Senate, he tried again in 2008 but failed to gain any traction in a contest won by Barack Obama. In the current political landscape, however, his focus on personal integrity and experience, which were also centerpieces of his previous campaigns, has proved much more compelling. Today, we chart Mr. Biden’s political journey and explore the baggage he will carry into the November election. Guest: Matt Flegenheimer, a national politics reporter for The New York Times. For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily

Background reading:

Mr. Biden’s political career has been marked by personal loss. Eulogies he has delivered offer an insight into how he would lead a nation grappling with death and crisis.
“I’ve done some dumb things. And I’ll do dumb things again.” The former vice president’s campaign for the 1988 Democratic nomination reveals the political flaws that continue to color his public life.

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