By Christopher Caldwell
The discombobulated performance that President Joe Biden gave at the first presidential debate on June 27th sent Democratic Party loyalists, and the journalists who staff the television stations they watch, into a state of shock. It shouldn’t have.
Explore more
More from 1843 magazine
1843 magazine | “In Moscow I live like a king”: why Russian exiles return
Two friends fled Putin’s mobilisation. What made one go back?
1843 magazine | How to get rich (Taylor’s version)
Think you know the story of how Taylor Swift took on the music industry? The reality is more complicated
1843 magazine | Secrets of a ransomware negotiator
When the gangs of the dark web come, most people panic. This man runs rings around them
1843 magazine | The cruise that will get you chased by the Chinese coastguard
China is bullying its rivals in the South China Sea. For some tourists, that makes it a perfect holiday destination
1843 magazine | Marwan Barghouti, the world’s most important prisoner
There’s one Palestinian who could help end the conflict. He’s in an Israeli jail
1843 magazine | How the Proud Boys are prepping for a second Trump term
They led the charge on the Capitol. What next?