The Daily The Return of the Governor
Apr 3, 2020
In this engaging discussion, Alexander Burns, a national politics reporter for The New York Times, dives into the extraordinary evolution of governors' roles during the pandemic. He highlights how these leaders have emerged from the shadows of federal politics, asserting their influence through decisive COVID-19 responses. Burns elaborates on the contrast between state and federal actions, noting the ideological divides among governors and the varied public confidence in their leadership. His insights reveal a shift that has turned many governors into national figures.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Governors' Diminished Role
- Governors were once central figures in American politics, often becoming presidents.
- This changed about a decade ago, as national issues overshadowed state-level politics.
Nationalization of Politics
- Governors used to campaign on their accomplishments at the state level.
- The rise of nationalized media and large-scale crises made state-level achievements less relevant.
Pandemic's Impact on Governors
- The pandemic shifted the focus back to governors due to inconsistent federal leadership.
- State leaders had to confront the crisis directly, increasing their visibility and importance.
