The Opinions Are We in a New Era of Presidential Regalism?
12 snips
May 22, 2025 
Carlos Lozada, a New York Times columnist known for his sharp political analysis, joins for a compelling discussion. They dive into two recent books revealing the Democratic Party’s handling of Joe Biden's health during the campaign. Key topics include the implications of Biden’s deteriorating condition, insider reactions, and the party’s identity crisis in the wake of Trump’s presidency. They also explore the changing dynamics of presidential campaigns and the rise of 'regalism' in political decision-making, challenging traditional collaborative efforts.
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Biden's Cognitive Decline Is Evident
- Both books show Biden's cognitive decline was evident well before the 2024 campaign debate.
- Biden's inability to remember familiar people reflected a serious, ongoing issue, not a one-time event.
Denying Severity to Avoid Losing
- Inner circle denied the severity of Biden's condition, rationalizing a diminished Biden was better than Trump.
- They prioritized winning over transparency, leading to a veil of ignorance around Biden's health.
Biden Kept in the Dark on Polling
- Biden was often shielded from the true state of his campaign's polling.
- This information asymmetry impaired his decision-making and contributed to campaign failures.
