Staff Reports
The relationship between the United States and Russia under President Biden could be likened to a toddler trying to play with a box of fireworks—an explosion waiting to happen. The president has been throwing billions at Ukraine to wage war against Russia, chasing some misguided notion of diplomacy that only seems to turn more heads than hearts.
Recently, Biden attempted to showcase his so-called diplomatic prowess from the comfort of the White House, as news surfaced about the release of three Americans from Russian detention. Among them were Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian-American radio journalist, and Paul Whelan, a Marine veteran. This exchange was part of a 24-person swap involving multiple nations, which raised more eyebrows than cheers, especially when one considers the sheer absurdity of swapping high-value prisoners for some mediocre reporters.
Biden's Attempt to Mock Trump After Prisoner Trade with Russia Blows Up in His Face https://t.co/70hzwbkjZq
— Beth McDowell RN (@bmcdowelrn) August 2, 2024
In a moment that seemed more theatrical than presidential, Biden was quizzed about former President Trump’s claim that he could have secured these releases without making any concessions. In a fit of bravado, Biden smirked and retorted with a pointed jab, questioning why Trump hadn’t done it during his own presidency. While this might sound impressive to some, it swiftly unraveled as only Whelan’s detention was on Trump’s watch—Gershkovich and Kurmasheva were taken after Trump left office. Biden’s attempt to score points against his predecessor ended up illuminating his own administration’s failings more than anything.
The media licked its wounds and rallied around Biden, with one enthusiastic CNN anchor celebrating the exchange as if it were a “mic drop moment.” The reality is that what was supposed to be a diplomatic triumph turned into yet another public relations disaster for the White House. As facts eventually come out, it’s clear this so-called mic drop was more of a slow-motion faceplant.
Biden’s previous ‘victories’ in the world of diplomacy offer no comfort either. The infamous Brittany Griner arms dealer swap—where a WNBA player caught with some cannabis vape cartridges was exchanged for a notorious Kremlin-approved arms dealer—exemplifies a foreign policy more suited for a game of Monopoly than real-world geopolitics. Since Biden assumed office, the narrative has been about how tough he is on Putin. Yet, history shows that it wasn’t Trump’s presidency that allowed Russia to invade Ukraine, nor was it Trump who turned Congress into a dozing chamber edging the country closer to conflict.
Biden’s foreign policy record reads like a comedic tragedy, punctuated by the catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan that’s left many shaking their heads. While Biden attempts to brandish his diplomatic brush, each stroke only highlights his missteps and poor decisions. His administration is competing for the title of the worst single-term leadership in American history—especially when it comes to foreign affairs. A legacy built on mixed messages and failed strategies doesn’t bode well for any presidential ambitions, let alone a slogan of being “the steady hand.”
