- Biden faces a crucial test at the NATO summit to demonstrate his fitness for the presidency
- The summit provides a global platform for Biden to showcase his leadership and commitment to strengthening the transatlantic alliance
- Biden must use the summit to counter the negative impact of his recent debate performance and differentiate himself from Trump’s “America First” approach
- The summit’s outcome will have far-reaching implications for Biden’s presidency and the future of the Democratic Party
It is now the day of decision for Joe Biden.
A dozen days after what was possibly the most damaging debate performance in the history of the United States of America, which left him speechless, the president is battling for his political life under the scrutiny of both the domestic and global arenas.
His participation in this week’s Nato summit in Washington DC could be the only key to a short recovery, unless the president uses this opportunity to be his last champion.
Since the last few days, Mr Biden’s verbal criticism has outweighed even his opponents. He also made a point of mentioning to his critics that the Democratic primary voters were his mandate and he called on the opposition for them to come out into the open and make a run for him.
He has himself vowed openly to stick with the election campaign he has drawn up thus far and that the time for any type of doubt or apprehension that people may have is over. Thus, the election campaign will start with the Nato summit.
Over the course of three days, Mr Biden will bring heads of governments in for meetings and public events, culminating in a press conference on Thursday afternoon, by himself.
This is a place where Mr Biden, who is of course an experienced man in foreign relationships, should be at ease. However, it also makes his presidency even more difficult because of the high stakes, thereby implying that if the performance is unsatisfactory, it will have consequences in other countries too, apart from within the country itself.
An error in judgment might cause a political rebellion among Democrats and thus puts a finish to his dream of even having a chance to the general election, not to mention punting it.
This might also enhance the concerns of Europe’s allies, who worried about a climate of Trumpishness generated by the ever-growing Trump chances and their remarkable potential foreign policy turns as a result.
“Biden is entering diminished this week,” said Kristine Berzina, who is the managing director of the German Marshall Fund Geostrategy North. “We don’t know how he’s going to exit it.”
Some global leaders are concerned about how the U.S. President handles foreign affairs. They worry that the former president was critical of international partnerships.
In the past two weeks, these leaders have started feeling uneasy about President Biden too. After his debate performance, allies wonder if he can handle the responsibilities.
At the upcoming NATO summit, they hope to see that his debate was just a one-time issue and not his new normal. “It is worrying when your closest ally seems to struggle,” said an expert.
“There is great hope that Biden passes this test. But if not, it raises more doubts about U.S. reliability.”
People will closely watch President Biden at the summit meetings, events with foreign leaders, and talks with new British PM Keir Starmer. Even private discussions will likely get shared publicly.
Biden also faces challenges back home this week. He says strengthening NATO against Russian threats is a key success, distinct from Trump and potential Democratic replacements. The summit gives him a chance to highlight this for Americans.
Everyone wonders who can keep NATO unified like the president claims. In an interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos on Friday, he said the upcoming NATO summit will showcase his abilities to keep the alliance together.
“Come and listen,” he invited. “Hear what they say.”
However, simply meeting low expectations at the NATO summit and Thursday’s press conference may not satisfy many politicians, commentators, and party activists already calling for his resignation.
Many people aren’t satisfied with President Biden’s recent public speeches. Bill Scher, a liberal commentator, says these appearances aren’t enough to stop the doubts. Scher recently wrote that Biden should step aside for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Scher believes time was crucial to address the speculation, but the President’s team missed the chance. He says there’s no clear path forward from this situation.
Scher, a longtime Biden supporter, says the President’s attempts to push back now with interviews, letters, and calls come too late. Public opinion has already turned against Biden.
Once this sentiment solidifies in the polls, which could take weeks, it may be too late to smoothly replace Biden.
“I understand it must be difficult nearing the end of your life and not performing as well,” Scher said. “Having to face that publicly must be excruciating.”
However, data shows Biden losing support and facing defeat in November’s election. This is becoming clearer.
Polls show nearly three-quarters of Americans – and even most Democrats – think Biden should not run again. Around six Democratic Congress members have called for him to withdraw, while many others are unsupportive.
Still, Biden plans to continue his campaign, and he has enough delegates to secure the Democratic nomination. The decision rests solely with him. If he avoids major missteps this week, he may weather this immediate storm.
This week’s major event has already been planned. It’s not about NATO celebrating 75 years and looking at future challenges.
Instead, the story is about whether President Biden can stay in office politically for another term. This issue could decide his political future.
See Also | ‘Bob’s Burgers’ Actor Jay Johnston Pleaded Guilty to Obstructing Police During Capitol Riot
Last Updated on July 9, 2024 by 247 News Around The World
