Diplomats and world leaders are expressing concern about President Joe Biden’s age, health, and ability to win the 2024 presidential election as they prepare for next week’s NATO summit. Many of these officials, who favor Biden’s reelection, fear that a return of Donald Trump would damage the NATO alliance and hinder efforts in Ukraine.
Rising Concerns About Biden’s Age
Recent conversations with 20 individuals connected to NATO or the summit reveal that many allies had reservations about Biden’s health even before his recent debate performance. Biden’s debate performance has intensified concerns, with some officials doubting his ability to lead a global superpower if reelected.
“It doesn’t take a genius to see that the president is old,” said an official from a European NATO country. “We’re not sure that, even if he wins, he can survive four years more.”
Allies’ Reactions to Biden’s Debate
The debate performance has sparked a wave of concern. An EU official commented, “It was painful to watch, let’s be honest. We all want Biden to have a second term to avoid dealing with Trump again, but this isn’t really reassuring.”
Biden’s Task at the NATO Summit
Next week’s NATO summit was already a challenging task for Biden, who needs to reassure allies of America’s commitment to Ukraine. Now, he faces the added pressure of proving his physical and political resilience.
The president’s agenda includes delivering a high-profile speech, leading meetings, and hosting a dinner for world leaders. Biden’s performance at the summit will be scrutinized as a measure of his ability to handle the rigors of another term.
Political Ramifications
The political ramifications extend beyond Biden’s age and health. The U.S. ambassador to the EU, Mark Gitenstein, emphasized that concerns stem from the upcoming election and the possibility of Trump’s return to power. Allies worry about Biden’s ability to secure a second term, given the close election and Trump’s influence.
NATO Allies’ Worries
Some NATO allies are dissatisfied with Biden’s incremental approach to providing military aid to Ukraine. A senior European diplomat questioned, “Is the U.S. leading or is it just taking part like everyone else?” These grumbles come primarily from hawkish alliance members who want unlimited military support for Ukraine.
Despite these concerns, Biden has established strong relationships with most democratic allies, including EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron. However, the reality of Biden’s age remains a concern for many diplomats.
The Road Ahead
Biden’s ability to reassure his allies at the NATO summit and demonstrate his leadership will be critical. With political changes in other major NATO powers and upcoming elections, the stability of the alliance hangs in the balance.
As Ian Bremmer, president of the Eurasia Group, noted, “Ukraine is still the most important topic, but concerns about Biden and growing panic from Europeans about Trump are increasingly distracting the substantive conversations.”
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