World Leaders Urge Biden To Run, Craving A Prez With Respect For Foreign Affairs

Former VP Joe Biden speaks during a partnership announcement between Doylestown Health and The Beau Biden Foundation, in Warminster, PA,on October 10, 2017. (Photo by Bastiaan Slabbers/NurPhoto)
Former VP Joe Biden speaks during a partnership announcement between Doylestown Health and The Beau Biden Foundation, in Warminster, PA,on October 10, 2017. (Photo by Bastiaan Slabbers/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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While former Vice President Joe Biden may still be conflicted about running for President, world leaders at the Munich Security Conference in February had fewer qualms.

According to a Wednesday Politico report, several European leaders privately urged Biden to run, craving an American President with respect for traditional alliances and an understanding of foreign affairs.

Amid the current field, Biden’s foreign affairs experience stands out. He has unrivaled relationships with world leaders, and has had his hand in major foreign policy decisions during the Obama administration.

Some of the senators running — like Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) — have served on committees with global purviews, but none have had major foreign policy achievements or are running on particularly global platforms.

Domestically, it makes sense for candidates to largely bypass foreign affairs — American voters tend not to rank foreign policy very high on a list of political priorities. But it could help Biden emphasize his gravitas and deep experience in a crowded 2020 field.

Notable Replies

  1. I know there are a lot of Biden critics out there, and I get it. I really do. But this is the thing that makes me lean his direction. I love Beto, Buttigeg, Warren, etc., but to me a President that has respect from the world stage is huge.

  2. See:
    Former Secretary of State Clinton
    That experience and $8.50 will get you a coffee at Starbucks

  3. Some of the senators running — like Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and
    Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) — have served on committees with global
    purviews, but none have had major foreign policy achievements

    Did Obama?

  4. Avatar for jtx jtx says:

    Russia encouraged Trump to run too. What did that get us?

Continue the discussion at forums.talkingpointsmemo.com

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