Staff ReportsJoe Biden took a stage fit for a global leader at the United Nations to harken back to America’s infamous exit from Afghanistan, a chaotic event that many would argue well deserves more than the few kind words he could muster. In what felt more like a campaign rally than a sober reflection, President Biden attempted to put a rosy spin on a withdrawal strategy that left thirteen American service members dead, and countless others questioning his decision-making prowess.
Claiming that it was high time to end the U.S. involvement in Afghanistan—America’s longest war—Biden painted himself as a heroic figure, determined not to leave this contentious decision for his successor. Of course, ignoring the fact that no one really believes his hasty retreat was anything but a debacle, the president skillfully sidestepped accountability. Did he forget that he oversaw a last-minute scramble that involved abandoning allies and leaving behind a horde of sensitive information and military equipment? Meanwhile, throngs of critics, with Trump leading the charge, are not likely to forget this monumental misstep anytime soon.
Joe Biden defends his abysmal and deadly withdrawal from Afghanistan: “It was a hard decision, but the right decision.” pic.twitter.com/ScsZi5Kni0
— Conservative War Machine (@WarMachineRR) September 24, 2024
Despite the major fallout, which included the tragic loss of life, Biden seemed to view this speech as an opportunity for self-congratulatory back-patting rather than a genuine acknowledgment of the consequences of his actions. With House Republicans hot on the trail of an investigation into the calamity of the withdrawal, it seems that Biden focused more on defining his legacy than grappling with the reality of what it cost Americans. A “hard decision” that turned into a political hot potato—some “right decision” indeed.
Biden’s veiled references to stepping aside for “a new generation of leadership” had all the subtlety of a sledgehammer. After a performance that raised eyebrows during recent debates, Democrats are reportedly sweating bullets over their ability to win with him at the helm. So, it’s no surprise that in a moment of political reflection, he shifted gears from grandstanding about Afghanistan to dabbling in the realm of existential ponderings about the sanctity of power. Not too many Americans are buying this bravado—most of us remember which party was so adamantly against any sort of strong leadership against terrorism.
As he waxed poetic about international alliances and the desire for global harmony, one must wonder if Biden was living in an alternate reality. Is it really the case that the world was ‘better off’ after his administration took the reins? Between a resurgent Iran and a faltering NATO, one could argue that rather than defending global interests, Biden’s foreign policy has served as a marching order for chaos and confusion all around the globe. His remarks, a thinly veiled shot at Trump’s “America First” stance, seem to suggest that compromised sovereignty and indecisiveness are credentials for “progress.”
Not to be outdone, Biden wrapped up his performance by touching on the horrors in Gaza, calling for ceasefires like they’re party favors at a birthday bash. A man who hasn’t faced a decisive battle in decades now acts as if he’s the grand arbiter of Middle Eastern peace negotiations. Pressing for harmony in a region known for chaos shows just how disconnected he is from the real world. As he bids adieu to his international tour of duty, the reality is that Biden’s tenure has left the nation scratching its head, desperately hoping the next occupant of the White House will bring a little more clarity and commonsense to America’s global role.
