How did the media miss the biggest story in American politics? Many journalists were shocked by Joe Biden’s decline, showcased on a debate stage. Did we ask the wrong questions, or fall for White House spin? Or did we, as Republicans claim, engage in a cover-up?

In this emergency pod, Nayeema, Ben and Max separate conspiracy from reality and reasonable reporting questions falling out of everything from “Weekend at Bernie’s theories” to Jill Biden’s role. They take you inside the media and party machinery bringing spicy takes from top editors and other media elite. Finally, they make some predictions about where it goes from here and who would be the media savviest Biden-replacement (… if it comes to that).

If you have a take on whether it was the media’s fault - drop us a line mixedsignals@semafor.com

Find us on X: @semaforben, @nayeema @maxwelltani or on Instagram @nayeemaraza

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2017 Christmas Party Episode 1: SheReadsTruth + Advent