What to Expect from the Biden-Trump Debate, with the Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin
3Digest
The podcast delves into the upcoming presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, exploring the historical context and potential impact of this rematch. The hosts discuss the stakes for both candidates, noting Biden's lack of a poll lead and Trump's recent felony conviction. They also examine the significance of televised debates, drawing parallels to the 1960 debate between Nixon and Kennedy, which marked the first televised presidential debate in American history. Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin joins the discussion, sharing her insights on the 1960 debate and its lasting impact on presidential politics. She emphasizes the importance of leadership qualities and the need to judge candidates based on their past actions rather than their performance in a single debate. The hosts also discuss the role of social media in shaping political discourse and the potential for manipulated content to influence public opinion.
Outlines
The Apprentice Documentary and Trump's Relationship with Roy Cohn
This Chapter discusses the suppressed documentary on Trump called "The Apprentice" and its focus on Trump's relationship with Roy Cohn. The hosts express disbelief that the documentary is not being shown in America and discuss the significance of Trump's training under Roy Cohn.
The Upcoming Biden-Trump Debate: Stakes and Expectations
This Chapter delves into the upcoming presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, analyzing the stakes for both candidates. The hosts discuss the potential for a chaotic debate, drawing parallels to the 2020 debate, and highlight the importance of this event in a tight race. They also explore the historical context of televised debates, referencing the 1960 Nixon-Kennedy debate and its impact on presidential politics.
The 1960 Nixon-Kennedy Debate: A Turning Point in Presidential Politics
This Chapter features historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, who discusses the significance of the first televised presidential debate in 1960 between Nixon and Kennedy. She explains how this event showcased the impact of television on presidential races and how it changed the whole mood of the campaign. Goodwin also shares her personal experience of watching the debate with her husband, who helped Kennedy prepare for it, and discusses the importance of leadership qualities and the need to judge candidates based on their past actions.
The Impact of Debates in a Fragmented Media Landscape
This Chapter explores the question of whether debates can still break through in a fragmented media space. The hosts discuss the potential for debates to influence the morale of supporters on both sides, but also acknowledge the challenges of reaching a persuadable audience in a highly polarized political climate. They also discuss the role of social media in shaping political discourse and the potential for manipulated content to influence public opinion.
Keywords
Presidential Debate
A formal meeting between candidates for the office of President of the United States, typically held during a general election campaign. Debates provide a platform for candidates to present their policies, engage in discussions, and answer questions from moderators and the public. They are often televised and widely watched, influencing public opinion and voter decisions.
Televised Debate
A presidential debate that is broadcast live on television. The introduction of televised debates in 1960 revolutionized presidential politics, allowing voters to see and hear candidates directly, influencing their perceptions and voting decisions. Televised debates have become a crucial part of modern presidential campaigns, shaping public discourse and influencing the outcome of elections.
Roy Cohn
An American lawyer and political operative who served as chief counsel to Senator Joseph McCarthy during the McCarthy hearings. Cohn was known for his aggressive tactics and his involvement in high-profile cases, including the prosecution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg for espionage. He was also a mentor to Donald Trump, teaching him the art of deal-making and the importance of publicity. Cohn's legacy is controversial, with some praising his legal skills and others criticizing his ruthless tactics and his role in the McCarthy era.
Doris Kearns Goodwin
An American historian, biographer, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author. She is known for her in-depth studies of American presidents, including Lincoln, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson. Goodwin's work is characterized by its meticulous research, engaging storytelling, and insightful analysis of historical events. She is a frequent commentator on political affairs and a respected voice on American history.
Lincoln-Douglas Debates
A series of seven public debates held in 1858 between Abraham Lincoln, the Republican candidate for the United States Senate, and Stephen Douglas, the incumbent Democratic senator from Illinois. The debates focused on the issue of slavery and its expansion into the territories. They were widely attended and reported on, and they helped to establish Lincoln as a national figure and a leading voice against slavery. The Lincoln-Douglas Debates are considered a landmark event in American political history, showcasing the power of public debate and the importance of engaging with complex issues.
Social Media
A collection of online platforms and services that allow users to create and share content, connect with others, and participate in online communities. Social media has become a powerful force in modern society, influencing everything from politics and culture to business and personal relationships. It has also played a significant role in shaping political discourse, providing a platform for activism, organizing, and the spread of information and misinformation.
Q&A
What are the key stakes for Joe Biden and Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential debate?
For Biden, the stakes are high as he enters the debate without the cushion of a poll lead he had in 2020. He needs to perform well to counter the Republican narrative that he is not up to the job. Trump, on the other hand, faces the challenge of his recent felony conviction and needs to navigate the debate carefully to avoid further damage to his campaign.
How did the 1960 Nixon-Kennedy debate change the course of presidential politics?
The 1960 debate marked the first televised presidential debate in American history, showcasing the impact of television on presidential races. It allowed voters to see and hear candidates directly, influencing their perceptions and voting decisions. This event transformed the way presidential campaigns were conducted, emphasizing the importance of visual presentation and media strategy.
What are the key leadership qualities that Doris Kearns Goodwin believes should be considered when evaluating presidential candidates?
Goodwin emphasizes the importance of judging candidates based on their past actions and leadership qualities rather than their performance in a single debate. She highlights the importance of character, temperament, humility, empathy, resilience, accountability, and ambition that is greater than oneself.
How might social media influence the outcome of the upcoming presidential debate?
Social media is likely to play a significant role in shaping the narrative surrounding the debate. Edited clips, sound bites, and viral content can quickly spread and influence public opinion. The hosts express concern about the potential for manipulated content to distort reality and impact voter perceptions.
What are the key takeaways from the podcast's discussion of the upcoming presidential debate?
The podcast highlights the importance of understanding the historical context of televised debates, the need to evaluate candidates based on their leadership qualities, and the potential impact of social media on political discourse. It also emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and media literacy in navigating the complexities of modern political campaigns.
Show Notes
The Washington Roundtable: Susan B. Glasser, Jane Mayer, and Evan Osnos discuss whether the debate will affect the outcome of the November election. The historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, who is the author of “An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s,” joins the conversation to look at what the 1960 Kennedy-Nixon debate can tell us about the upcoming event.
This week’s reading:
- “Project Trump, Global Edition,” by Susan B. Glasser
- “Biden Is the Candidate Who Stands for Change in This Election,” by James Lardner
- “Trump’s Brazen Pact with the One Per Cent,” by John Cassidy
- “The American Election That Set the Stage for Trump,” by Isaac Chotiner
To discover more podcasts from The New Yorker, visit newyorker.com/podcasts. To send feedback on this episode, write to themail@newyorker.com with “The Political Scene” in the subject line.
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