The Global Story
Pardons, missiles and a ceasefire: Biden’s last few weeks
Dec 4, 2024
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.
28:39
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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