Honestly with Bari Weiss

The Free Press Live: Biden Drops Out

Jul 22, 2024

Dean Phillips, a Minnesota congressman who dared to challenge Joe Biden in the primaries, joins Batya Ungar-Sargon, Deputy opinion editor at Newsweek and author of 'Second Class,' to discuss Biden's shocking withdrawal from the 2024 race. They dive into the power struggles within the Democratic Party, highlighting the influence of elite donors. The conversation also addresses the media's contradictory portrayals of Biden's abilities and the significant role of civic engagement in shaping political landscapes. A captivating exploration of what comes next!

57:49

Episode guests

Batya Ungar-Sargan

Rep. Dean Phillips

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Highlights

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Biden's decision influenced by media, donors, and party pressure, indicating a lack of public confidence.

Elites' control over nominee selection criticized, with concerns over their influence on the process.

Critique of the media's role in misleading the public about Biden's candidacy, exposing lack of transparency in reporting.

Deep dives

Joe Biden Drops Out of the Race and Endorses Kamala Harris

President Joe Biden's decision to drop out of the race and endorse Kamala Harris is discussed. The move was influenced by media pressure, donor influence, and party pressure, reflecting a long overdue realization. Previous polls showing Democratic voters lacked confidence in Biden's nomination were cited.

Competition as Essential for Democracy

01:30

A Congressman's Reflection on Political Engagement and Leadership

03:50

Intro

2min

The Power Players Behind Biden's Withdrawal

13min

Media, Politics, and Perception

17min

The Power of Civic Engagement and Personal Motivation in Politics

4min

Endorsements and Political Dynamics in the Democratic Party

4min

Biden's Withdrawal: A Political Reckoning

12min

Political Personas and Their Impact on Public Perception

5min

Tonight, President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race and endorsed Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee. After weeks of speculation, criticism of his candidacy, concern about his health, and withdrawal of donors, President Biden finally said: “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”

What comes next? With the Democratic National Convention less than a month away, Michael Moynihan went live on X with Free Press contributors Walter Kirn, Batya Ungar-Sargon, Eli Lake, and Olivia Reingold, as well Minnesota congressman Dean Phillips (who challenged Joe Biden during the primaries), to discuss this historic turn and how it will impact the election.

Follow The FP on X to stay tuned for more livestreams.

Note: this episode was originally a livestream on X, and there were a few audio glitches, but we loved this conversation and think you will too.

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Honestly with Bari Weiss

The Free Press Live: Biden Drops Out

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Joe Biden Drops Out of the Race and Endorses Kamala Harris

Elites' Influence on Nominee Selection

Democratic Primary Process Criticism

Media Gaslighting and Lack of Transparency

Future Predictions and Challenges for Kamala Harris

Competition as Essential for Democracy

A Congressman's Reflection on Political Engagement and Leadership

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts