As world leaders gather in Washington, DC, for NATO’s 75th anniversary summit next week, the spotlight will be on US President Joe Biden following his recent underwhelming debate performance.
Biden’s debate showing has sparked concern among international diplomats. Now, he faces intense pressure to demonstrate his capability at the summit, proving his competitiveness against former President Donald Trump, sources told CNN.
The anxiety is heightened by fears that Trump, who criticized NATO during his presidency and recently suggested leniency towards Russia for non-compliance on defense spending, could endanger the alliance’s future if re-elected.
Biden’s uncertain political future adds to the summit’s complexity, coinciding with significant political shifts among key allies. In the UK, the Labour Party’s unexpected rise to power has installed Keir Starmer as the new prime minister just before the summit. In France, the second round of parliamentary elections could see a far-right prime minister challenging President Emmanuel Macron’s coalition.
In the US, the Biden administration has acknowledged the debate mishap but downplayed its impact on international allies.
“What the world knows, the world has experienced over three and a half years — not one night — is exactly the kind of leadership that he’s brought to bear on problems that are common for so many countries, particularly so many of the democracies around the world,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a Brookings Institute event.
However, a former senior US diplomat noted that Biden will be under scrutiny at the NATO summit.
Observers will be evaluating Biden’s appearance, demeanor, and vitality, with the president and his team likely focusing on presenting him as vigorous and capable, the diplomat said.
The three-day summit, meticulously planned with extensive preparation, will include multiple interactions with Biden, including the North Atlantic Council meeting, bilateral sessions, and a leaders’ dinner. Key officials like Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will accompany and support Biden, also holding individual meetings with their counterparts.
