WASHINGTON — In a powerful address to the nation, President Joe Biden stood in the Oval Office with all the iconic symbols of a wartime commander in chief: the American and presidential flags, family pictures, and the Resolute Desk. This backdrop was reminiscent of President George W. Bush’s address to the American people following the 9/11 attacks, where he declared a war on terror. However, Biden took a different approach. Instead of rallying Americans around the flag and stoking anger, he drew a distinction between Hamas and the Palestinian people, urged caution, and emphasized the need for justice without blind rage.
Biden’s measured response reflects his deep foreign policy experience and political acumen. Throughout his career, Biden has witnessed and participated in critical moments such as the Cold War, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and the Iraq wars. He understands the fleeting popularity of wartime presidents seeking re-election and the public’s weariness with prolonged conflicts. Ron Klain, his former White House chief of staff, commends Biden’s judgment and care in navigating these difficult times, which reveal his expertise in action.
This outbreak of war in the Middle East has presented Biden with multiple challenges, both substantive and political. He must balance the need to contain the situation in the Middle East, support Israel in its fight against Hamas without jeopardizing hostages, secure funding for Ukrainian and Israeli war efforts while providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians, and avoid actions and rhetoric that further divide the Democratic base. Any misstep in these balancing acts could cost lives and votes.
Historically, wartime presidents have had mixed results in their re-election efforts. Lyndon Johnson decided not to seek a second term due, in part, to the escalating war in Vietnam. George H.W. Bush’s approval ratings soared during the Gulf War but lost his re-election bid. George W. Bush’s response to 9/11 helped him win re-election, but public sentiment toward the Iraq and Afghanistan wars changed in subsequent years. Modern American public sentiment aligns with Biden’s calls for restraint in global conflicts, and he has learned the lessons of overreach in American foreign policy post-9/11.
Biden’s approach to the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East may not be a major issue in next year’s election, as voters generally prioritize domestic policy. However, some Republican candidates have criticized Biden for not emphasizing the consequences of American lives and hostages, while Biden has focused on securing their release and expressing support for Israel. In his recent address, Biden requested $106 billion from Congress to support both Israel’s defense and humanitarian aid for Ukraine, uniting these two democratic allies against extremist invaders.
While Biden has maintained a distance from these wars and limited American involvement, his legacy, America’s global interests, and the 2024 election will be influenced by his success or failure in handling these challenges. Benjamin, a deputy chief of mission at the Israeli embassy, sees the U.S. and Israel as “brothers in arms” in the Middle East war against terrorism and Hamas. Biden’s support for both Israel and Ukraine showcases his steadfast commitment to these allies.
However, Biden has faced criticism for his handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with concerns about his support for Israel potentially alienating Muslim and Arab communities in the U.S. Biden has aimed to strike a delicate balance in his messaging by urging restraint while supporting Israel. The complexity of this issue is reflected in the language used in his address from the Oval Office.
