Logo
    Search

    A Brutal Debate for Biden

    enJune 28, 2024

    Podcast Summary

    • Biden's debate performanceBiden's weak debate performance deepened doubts about his fitness for office, while Trump aimed to present a more disciplined image and appeal to new voter groups.

      Key takeaway from the first debate of the 2024 presidential race between Joe Biden and Donald Trump was that Biden's weak performance deepened doubts about his fitness for the job, while Trump aimed to assemble a unique coalition of voters. Trump's campaign hoped to present him as a more disciplined and controlled candidate, appealing to groups traditionally democratic or disaffected. However, Biden, who faces concerns about his age, failed to reassure his party or put those concerns to rest, leaving many alarmed by his performance on the biggest possible stage. The debate was historic as the first between two single-term presidents, but it will likely be remembered for Biden's struggles and Trump's opportunity to present a new image.

    • Biden's debate performanceBiden's raspy voice and incoherent answers during the debate raised concerns about his ability to lead effectively, fueling ongoing debates about his fitness for presidency

      Key takeaway from the presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump is that Biden's performance raised significant concerns due to his apparent lack of energy and command of the stage. His raspy voice and incoherent answers during the initial exchanges left many viewers and political analysts questioning his ability to lead effectively. This was particularly noteworthy given the ongoing speculation about Biden's age and mental acuity. Trump, on the other hand, displayed his usual swagger and challenged Biden on policy issues, focusing on inflation, immigration, and crime. The contrasting performances led to an immediate sense of panic among Democrats and fueled ongoing debates about the fitness of each candidate for the presidency.

    • Presidential debate contrastDespite Trump's history of falsehoods and incoherence, he appeared more focused and presidential in the first part, while Biden struggled to effectively communicate on key issues and allowed Trump to score points through personal attacks and framing the contrast as one of competence.

      Learning from the presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump is the stark contrast between their messaging and presentation. Trump, despite his history of falsehoods and incoherence, appeared more focused and presidential in the first part of the debate, leaving some viewers surprised. However, Biden's meandering answers and lack of clarity on key issues, such as abortion and the economy, allowed Trump to score points and frame the contrast as one of competence. Trump's repeated attempts to tie Biden to rising prices and the border crisis, as well as his attacks on Biden's handling of foreign policy and his record on military respect, dominated the debate's tone. Despite opportunities for Biden to score points on issues important to his base, such as abortion and the economy, he struggled to effectively communicate his message. The personal attacks between the two candidates, including Trump's past comments about fallen soldiers, added to the heated and often chaotic nature of the debate.

    • Trump's remarks on fallen soldiersTrump denied calling fallen soldiers 'losers' and 'suckers', but Biden accused him of doing so during the debate, leading to a heated exchange between the two candidates.

      During the presidential debate, Biden accused Trump of disrespecting veterans by calling fallen soldiers "losers" and "suckers." Trump denied making the remark and instead focused on criticizing Biden's handling of foreign policy, particularly regarding Afghanistan. Biden attempted to provoke Trump into a personal confrontation but Trump refrained and instead shifted the conversation to his record of keeping the world safe under his administration. Trump also defended himself against allegations of being a felon and having extramarital affairs. When asked about his threat to go after political opponents, Trump responded by stating that his "retribution" would be making America successful again. Overall, the debate saw Biden trying to draw out a more chaotic version of Trump, while Trump aimed to stay focused on policy and his record.

    • Trump's message to black votersTrump attempted to appeal to black voters by focusing on inflation, immigration, and crime, but his communication skills and use of falsehoods hindered his effectiveness.

      During the presidential debate, former President Trump attempted to appeal to voters, particularly those in the black community, by focusing on issues such as inflation, immigration, and crime. He executed a three-pronged message, blaming inflation on Biden, accusing immigration of taking "black jobs," and emphasizing his stance on law and order. However, Trump's communication skills on these issues were evidently not his strongest suit, and he reverted to his usual evasive tactics and falsehoods during the debate. Despite this, he seemed to be making some headway in reaching out to traditionally democratic voters with his message. Additionally, Trump did not directly answer a question regarding his plans to address the climate crisis during the debate.

    • Biden's weak performanceDespite Trump's failure to answer questions on core issues, Biden's inarticulate responses left doubts about his ability to lead the country, overshadowing the debate with a focus on his physical and mental capabilities.

      Key takeaway from the second presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump is that Biden's weak performance was the most notable aspect of the night. While Trump failed to answer direct questions about core issues like childcare, Medicare, and opioids, Biden's inarticulate responses in the first half of the debate left doubts about his physical and mental capabilities to lead the country. The debate reached a strange moment when the two candidates argued over their golf handicaps, distracting from the serious policy discussion that the office demands. By the end of the debate, the focus shifted from Trump's ability to build a winning coalition to Biden's disappointing performance and what it means for the rest of the race.

    • Democratic Party concerns over Biden's performanceThe underperformance of President Biden in the debate and concerns about his age and fitness have raised doubts within the Democratic Party about his ability to win re-election, causing panic and uncertainty about the party's direction.

      The underwhelming performance of President Joe Biden in the recent debate has sparked concerns within the Democratic Party, with some questioning if he should step aside. This comes after years of dismissing concerns about Biden's age and fitness for office. The realization that nominating Biden might be the biggest risk for the party and potentially lead to a second term for Donald Trump is causing panic among Democrats. With no clear plan B in place due to how the situation was handled in the past, there is uncertainty about the party's direction moving forward. Additionally, a Supreme Court ruling on Thursday invalidated a landmark legal settlement between prosecutors and Purdue Pharma, potentially hindering efforts to alleviate the opioid epidemic.

    • Court Decisions, ComedyThe court allowed emergency abortions in Idaho but blocked a federal pollution plan, reflecting ongoing debates on women's rights and environmental regulations. Eddie Murphy discussed his comedy career, Beverly Hills return, and making Richard Pryor laugh in an interview, highlighting the power of comedy and the influence of idols.

      The court made significant decisions on opposing sides this week. In Idaho, it allowed emergency abortions despite a near-ban, while it blocked a federal plan to reduce air pollution. Meanwhile, in an episode of The Interview, David Marchese spoke with Eddie Murphy about his comedy career, his Beverly Hills return, and making Richard Pryor laugh. The Daily, produced by a large team, brings listeners these stories and more, with music by Jim Brunberg and Ben Lanzferk. The court's decisions reflect ongoing debates on women's rights and environmental regulations, while Murphy's interview highlights the power of comedy and the influence of his idols.

    Recent Episodes from The Daily

    'Animal,' Episode 5: Wolves

    'Animal,' Episode 5: Wolves

    In a broken world, what can we gain by looking another animal in the eye? "Animal" is a six-part, round-the-world journey in search of an answer. In Episode 5, the writer Sam Anderson travels to an obscure memorial in rural Japan: the statue of the last Japanese wolf.

    For photos and videos of Sam's journey to Japan, visit nytimes.com/animal

    The Daily
    enJune 30, 2024

    A Brutal Debate for Biden

    A Brutal Debate for Biden

    In the first debate of the 2024 race, President Biden hoped to make the case that Donald J. Trump was unfit to return to the White House. Instead, Mr. Biden’s weak performance deepened doubts about his own fitness for the job.

    Astead W. Herndon, who covers politics for The Times, explains what happened.

    Guest: Astead W. Herndon, a national politics reporter for The New York Times and the host of the politics podcast “The Run-Up.”

    Background reading: 

    For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

    The Daily
    enJune 28, 2024

    The Doping Scandal Rocking the Upcoming Olympics

    The Doping Scandal Rocking the Upcoming Olympics

    A new doping scandal is rocking the world of competitive swimming, as the Paris Olympics approach. These allegations are raising questions about fairness in the sport and whether the results at the summer games can be trusted.

    Michael S. Schmidt, one of the reporters who broke the story, explains the controversy and what it reveals about the struggle to police doping in sports.

    Guest: Michael S. Schmidt, an investigative reporter for The New York Times.

    Background reading: 

    For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

    The Daily
    enJune 27, 2024

    France’s Far Right at the Gates of Power

    France’s Far Right at the Gates of Power

    The far right in France had a big win this month, crushing the party of President Emmanuel Macron in elections for the European Parliament. But the results did not affect France’s government at home — until Mr. Macron changed that.

    Roger Cohen, the Paris bureau chief for The Times, discusses the huge political gamble Mr. Macron has taken, which has brought the far right closer than ever to gaining real power in France.

    Guest: Roger Cohen, the Paris bureau chief for The New York Times.

    Background reading: 

    • Battered by the far right in voting for the European Parliament, Emmanuel Macron called for new elections in France.
    • The president has challenged voters to test the sincerity of their support for the far right. Were the French letting off steam in the European elections, or did they really mean it?

    For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

    The Daily
    enJune 26, 2024

    The Plan to Defeat Critics of Israel in Congress

    The Plan to Defeat Critics of Israel in Congress

    A powerful group supporting Israel is trying to defeat sitting members of Congress who have criticized the country’s deadly war against Hamas.

    Nicholas Fandos, who covers New York politics for The Times, explains why it appears that strategy may work in today’s Democratic primary in New York.

    Guest: Nicholas Fandos, who covers New York politics and government for The New York Times.

    Background reading: 

    For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

    The Daily
    enJune 25, 2024

    The Army of Poets and Students Fighting a Forgotten War

    The Army of Poets and Students Fighting a Forgotten War

    Warning: this episode contains descriptions of injuries.

    Myanmar is home to one of the deadliest, most intractable civil wars on the planet. But something new is happening. Unusual numbers of young people from the cities, including students, poets and baristas, have joined the country’s rebel militias. And this coalition is making startling gains against the country’s military dictatorship.

    Hannah Beech, who covers stories across Asia for The Times, discusses this surprising resistance movement.

    Guest: Hannah Beech, a Bangkok-based reporter for The New York Times, focusing on investigative and in-depth stories in Asia.

    Background reading: 

    For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

    The Daily
    enJune 24, 2024

    'Animal,' Episode 4: Ferrets

    'Animal,' Episode 4: Ferrets

    In a broken world, what can we gain by looking another animal in the eye? "Animal" is a six-part, round-the-world journey in search of an answer. In Episode 4, the writer Sam Anderson soothes his anxiety by visiting a convention center in Ohio.

    For photos and videos of Sam's adventure with manatees, visit nytimes.com/animal.

    The Daily
    enJune 23, 2024

    America’s Top Doctor on Why He Wants Warning Labels on Social Media

    America’s Top Doctor on Why He Wants Warning Labels on Social Media

    Warning: This episode contains mentions of bullying and suicide.

    A rising tide of mental health problems among teenagers has sent parents, teachers and doctors searching for answers. This week, the U.S. surgeon general, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, offered one: social media.

    Today, Dr. Murthy discusses his proposal to require platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Instagram to include warning labels, like those that appear on tobacco and alcohol products.

    Guest: Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, the U.S. surgeon general.

    Background reading: 

    For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

    The Daily
    enJune 21, 2024