President Joe Biden faces a critical moment as he hosts the NATO summit in Washington, aiming to reassure both the American public and international allies of his capability to lead for another term. The summit, starting Tuesday, will focus on strengthening transatlantic support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. However, for Biden, it’s also an opportunity to demonstrate his competence following a challenging debate performance against Donald Trump on June 27.
Rallying NATO Support
As NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary, Biden emphasizes his leadership in responding to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In a recent MSNBC interview, he stated, “Our allies are looking for U.S. leadership. Who else do you think can step in here and do this? I expanded NATO. I solidified NATO.”
Biden’s efforts to bolster NATO have included rallying members to respond decisively to Russia’s aggression. This commitment, he argues, showcases his steady leadership and justifies his bid for re-election. The president has been making his case on the campaign trail, through letters to Democratic lawmakers, and in media interviews.
Facing Skepticism
Despite Biden’s efforts, skepticism persists among some Democrats and donors. Six Democratic House members have publicly called for him to end his campaign, and several high-profile donors have raised concerns about his viability. The White House hopes the summit will demonstrate Biden’s competence through a series of meetings, sideline chats, and diplomatic engagements.
Senior administration officials assert that Biden has a strong grasp of broader issues, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the threat posed by China. However, they acknowledge he has sometimes appeared confused about specific actions countries should take. Despite this, there isn’t a crisis in confidence over Biden’s general mental state.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed no concern about Biden’s health, stating, “From the many conversations I have had with the American President, I know that he has prepared this summit very well and very precisely together with us.”
Key Meetings and Discussions
The summit offers Biden his first chance to meet with new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had no concerns about Biden’s mental acuity during their recent phone call. The gathering includes leaders from the 32 NATO countries, Pacific partners, and Ukraine. This is expected to be one of Biden’s last appearances at an international forum before Election Day.
Biden aims to highlight his commitment to NATO and contrast his approach with Trump’s. Trump has criticized NATO members for not meeting defense spending goals and suggested he might encourage Russia to act against non-compliant countries if he returns to the White House. In contrast, Biden has secured commitments from 23 of 32 NATO nations to meet defense spending targets this year, up from nine when he took office in 2021.
Strengthening Ukraine’s Defense
NATO is expected to announce Ukraine’s pathway to membership during the summit. However, the alliance maintains that Ukraine will not join until its conflict with Russia ends. Efforts to stand up a coordination center in Germany to support Ukrainian forces are also on the agenda.
John Kirby, the White House national security spokesman, emphasized Biden’s leadership, stating, “That’s because of leadership. That’s because of a constant stewardship of the alliance and other partnerships around the world. The president’s record speaks for itself.”
Ian Brzezinski of the Atlantic Council noted that the summit is a chance for Biden to “significantly reverse the impression” left by his poor debate performance, urging him to lead with vigor and energy.
The NATO summit is a pivotal moment for President Biden as he seeks to solidify his leadership credentials and reassure both domestic and international audiences. As he navigates this high-stakes environment, Biden’s ability to demonstrate his commitment and competence will be crucial for his re-election campaign.
