The aftermath of President Joe Biden’s recent summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in California, a Daily Beast op-ed by David Rothkopf lauds Biden’s diplomatic finesse while criticizing Donald Trump’s approach as weak.
As reported by Raw Story on November 17, 2023, Rothkopf’s piece accentuates the stark difference between Biden’s confident handling of the summit and Trump’s perceived diplomatic shortcomings.
Rothkopf commends Biden’s assured demeanor during the press conference and the entire summit, highlighting his comprehensive understanding of various issues—an aspect lacking in Trump’s international dealings.
Published on Friday, the op-ed not only praises Biden’s current role but also reflects on his past as Vice President, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to effective diplomacy with China.
Rothkopf portrays Biden as a gracious host who strategically outlined the summit agenda, showcasing the expertise of his diplomatic team. Drawing a direct comparison, he asserts, In short, Biden did one other thing that Trump never mastered. He was presidential.
Speculating on Trump’s hypothetical approach to the summit, Rothkopf envisions potential issues, including golf course distractions, peculiar praise for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and tensions arising from Trump’s previous use of a racist moniker for the coronavirus.
Rothkopf quips, I have no doubt that the headline from the event would have been unchanged. It would have been, ‘He’s a dictator. This insinuation underscores the potential divergence in the summit’s dynamics under Trump’s leadership.
The op-ed serves as a cautionary reminder to Americans considering a return to Trump’s leadership. By contrasting Biden’s effective and presidential diplomatic style with a hypothetical Trump scenario, Rothkopf underscores the significance of leadership competence in critical international relations.
As Biden confronts global challenges, Rothkopf’s assessment prompts reflection on the qualities deemed essential in a leader, particularly within the realm of international relations.