Biden's perceived irrelevance is partly due to his decision not to run for reelection, compounded by Trump's active engagement in foreign policy and public appearances, creating a situation where it feels like there are two presidents at once.
Trump is flying to Paris, meeting world leaders, and conducting a foreign policy that sometimes contradicts the current U.S. policy, effectively acting as president without the responsibilities or information.
Glasser sees this transition as an instant psychological shift, with Biden immediately perceived as a lame duck, unlike previous transitions where outgoing presidents had a more active role in shaping the narrative.
Glasser argues that Democrats and others underestimated Trump's ability to maintain his base and his appeal, leading to strategic errors that contributed to his reelection.
Glasser is concerned about the personal failings of many appointees, their extremism, and their willingness to dismantle the institutions they are meant to lead, reflecting a shift from Trump 1.0's more establishment-friendly picks.
Glasser finds Miller's rhetoric alarming, as it suggests a radical shift in immigration policy, including the potential use of military force for deportations, which would violate existing laws and norms.
Glasser is skeptical about a definitive peace deal, suggesting it's more likely to be a temporary ceasefire that allows both sides to regroup, with unclear security guarantees for Ukraine.
Glasser sees Assad's fall as a positive development, highlighting the weakening of Russia and Iran, but also notes that Trump's response to such events is unpredictable and could be detrimental to U.S. interests.
Miller argues that the term 'radicalization' is often used as an excuse to justify or romanticize harmful actions, rather than addressing the underlying issues that lead to such behaviors.
Miller describes the situation as a tragic outcome of Penny's attempt to restrain a threatening individual, emphasizing that it is not a clear-cut hero or villain scenario but a complex and unfortunate event.
A sense of Biden's irrelevance has descended on Washington, with Trump flying off to Paris and meeting world leaders, and also openly conducting his own foreign policy—often at odds with the current US policy. Meanwhile, following the diminishment of our foes in the Middle East, and after all the assistance America gave to Israel and Ukraine, Biden isn't being given credit—or he's choosing not to take it. Plus, the MAGA media mob is doing all it can to get Trump's nominees through, and a postscript from Tim on the danger of romanticizing someone who was "radicalized" by a bad experience.
Susan Glasser joins Tim Miller. show notes Susan's most recent column) Cathy's piece last year on the Daniel Penny case) Noah Smith piece on how insurance companies aren't the main villain in the healthcare system )