Pardons, missiles and a ceasefire: Biden’s last few weeks
Dec 4, 2024
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Anthony Zurcher, BBC North America correspondent, and James Landale, BBC Diplomatic correspondent, join to dissect President Biden's significant last moves in office. They delve into Biden's controversial pardon of son Hunter, sparking Republican outcry and legacy questions. The discussion pivots to U.S. military support for Ukraine and the recent Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, examining how these geopolitical maneuvers may influence the Democratic party's future and set the stage for a potential Trump comeback.
Biden's authorization of U.S. long-range missile support for Ukraine highlights his proactive approach to solidifying foreign policy before leaving office.
The controversial pardon of Hunter Biden raises significant questions about integrity and nepotism, potentially impacting Biden's legacy and public perception.
Deep dives
Navigating the Lame Duck Period
Joe Biden is currently in the final weeks of his presidency, facing the challenges typical of a lame duck period where a president has limited power due to an incoming administration. Despite this, Biden refuses to be passive, continuing to make significant foreign policy decisions, particularly regarding Ukraine and the Middle East. Historically, this transition phase has allowed outgoing presidents to position their policies more securely before leaving office, as seen when Biden approved the use of long-range missiles for Ukraine. The urgency comes as the Biden administration seeks to solidify support for Ukraine, knowing that a change in leadership could result in a dramatic shift in foreign policy priorities.
Foreign Policy Moves for Legacy Building
Biden's administration has made substantial moves in foreign policy, illustrating a proactive approach to solidify his legacy before exiting the presidency. For instance, Biden's decision to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied missiles against Russia signifies a final push to reinforce Ukraine's military position in anticipation of a less supportive Trump administration. Similarly, Biden's efforts in the Middle East, while faciliated by external factors like Hezbollah's willingness to negotiate, are part of a strategy to claim some level of success in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. These actions reflect a conscious choice by Biden to leave a lasting mark on U.S. foreign relations.
Controversial Pardons and Their Implications
The decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, has sparked controversy and raised questions about Joe Biden's adherence to political integrity during his lame duck phase. Critics argue that the pardon erodes trust in the justice system, alleging it exemplifies nepotism and undermines Biden's previous statements against such an action. While Biden's administration will aim to shape its legacy through assertive moves in policy, the pardoning of Hunter Biden may tarnish the perception of his presidency, illustrating the complicated nature of personal versus political power. Ultimately, this moment may define the end of his political career as he balances the consequences of his actions with his desire to conclude on a strong note.
With just weeks left in office, President Biden is making moves that could define his legacy. He has issued an official pardon for his son Hunter, who was facing possible prison sentences in two criminal cases. Biden's decision has already prompted furious claims of hypocrisy from Republicans, and the White House has announced that the President is considering more pardons before the end of his term. In recent weeks, the president has also allowed Ukraine to use US long-range missiles to strike inside Russia and has announced a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
On this episode Azadeh Moshiri is joined by our North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher and the BBC’s Diplomatic correspondent James Landale. They examine how these decisions might shape Biden’s legacy, impact Donald Trump’s second term, and shape the future of the Democratic party.
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
Producers: Richard Moran and Alix Pickles
Sound engineer: Jonny Hall
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
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