Private concerns about Biden's age and re-election hover over NATO summit

7 July 2024, 10:35 AM

Diplomats and world leaders are privately expressing serious concerns about US President Joe Biden's age, health, and ability to secure re-election in 2024 ahead of the NATO summit in Washington, Politico wrote on July 6, citing 20 people connected to NATO or the summit.

While officials largely support Biden's re-election, they fear that a return of Donald Trump to office could damage NATO and "cripple the war effort in Ukraine."

They have also expressed worries about Biden's performance in the debates, suggesting that "he may be too frail to defeat Trump and lead a global superpower."

Ad

"Many allies already had quiet reservations about putting their trust in Biden well before the debate. Now, Biden must convince his counterparts that he's not only up for the fight but will overcome a political crisis to stay in it," Politico wrote.

Age is a key topic of discussion, with doubts being raised about whether Biden would be able to serve another four years even if he is re-elected.

"We all want Biden to have a second term to avoid dealing with Trump again, but this isn't really reassuring," an EU official said.

Biden is expected to "show off his leadership skills and stamina" during the summit and participate in all events, regardless of the conditions which are expected to be "sweltering heat."

This follows an earlier statement made by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on July 4 that Biden planned to reaffirm US leadership within the Alliance at the upcoming NATO summit in Washington.

Despite the failure in the debate, which could cast a shadow on his ability to participate in the subsequent election campaign, Biden is set to move forward and make decisions on important issues concerning Americans and the Alliance.

NATO has expanded and strengthened during Biden's presidency, and he continues to occupy leadership positions in the Alliance, Jean-Pierre reminded.

Biden understands criticism and accepts it, she noted.

The 75th anniversary summit of NATO leaders will be held on July 9-11 in Washington.

The military war may be swinging in our favor, but the information war continues.

Just as an army needs soldiers, so does a free society need its journalists to ensure that people have access to honest, trustworthy voices to understand the world around them.

For the past five years, The New Voice of Ukraine has been working tirelessly to push back against Russian narratives and defend democracy. But we cannot do it alone.

Please consider supporting us on Patreon for just $5 a month – your donation does directly to supporting journalists and ensuring that this front of the infowar says solid and defended.

Thank you.

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News

Show more news