The Economist.

Hello and welcome to the Palmer. Every weekday we provide a fresh perspective on the events shaping your world.

India. your world's most populous country.

India is the world's most populous country.

Since many of its states have more people than several European countries put together,

our correspondent makes the case for why

Norendramode should create more local governments.

And our obituaries editor celebrates the life of Ruth Westheimer, better known as Dr Ruth.

For decades she was America's giggling national sex therapist,

loosening the country's puritanical collar and spreading both advice and wisdom on sexual health.

But first.

For three weeks,

for three weeks America's presidential race was gripped by one question, whether Joe Biden

would continue as the Democrats presumptive nominee.

His calamitous performance in the election's first debate cast into doubt his fitness for another term.

Yet Mr. Biden insisted time and again that he would press ahead.

Until yesterday, suddenly, he changed his mind.

This was already the most turbulent presidential election campaign for decades and it's just been turned upside down again by Joe Biden's decision to quit the race. John Prido is our United States editor and hosts checks and ballots

our show on American politics.

It gives Democrats a second chance.

Joe Biden was clearly behind Donald Trump

now that they have a chance to get a candidate in place who can do better.

...