President Joe Biden’s lackluster performance at the CNN presidential debate against former President Donald Trump has sparked shock and concern among foreign diplomats, raising questions about the forthcoming US election. Multiple foreign diplomats from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia described the debate as “hard to watch” and expressed that it was “a bad night for Biden,” as one European diplomat stated.
The debate showcased Biden’s struggles, with one European diplomat noting, “It is a sad reality that Biden is old, and he is getting older.” Trump’s aggressive approach left diplomats shell-shocked, with an Asian diplomat describing Biden’s performance as a “horror, what a car crash.” European newspapers, both left- and right-leaning, criticized Biden’s debate flop, with concerns growing about the potential consequences if Trump were to be re-elected.
Trump’s remarks during the debate on foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and Russia, further fueled concerns among diplomats. His isolationist tendencies and NATO-skeptic worldview were evident, leaving many diplomats uneasy about the future of European security under a potential Trump presidency. The lack of commitment to Ukraine and conflicting statements raised alarm bells among NATO officials.
The debate also raised doubts about Biden’s ability to serve as commander in chief, leading some diplomats to suggest the possibility of the Democratic Party considering a plan B. Foreign diplomats speculated about the likelihood of Democrats replacing Biden on the ticket for November, with some suggesting Vice President Kamala Harris as a potential alternative.
Trump’s comments on the Israel-Hamas conflict drew criticism from diplomats, who believed his remarks could alienate Arab American voters. Despite longstanding issues surrounding Trump’s foreign policy approach, there was a sense of shock and concern about Biden’s performance and its potential impact on the upcoming election.
In Europe, the British media echoed the sentiment of concern, with headlines declaring “Democrats panic” and “Biden Bombed.” European leaders, who had met Biden at the G7 summit in Italy recently, were not surprised by his performance, but it still raised questions about his candidacy. Russian media, on the other hand, seized the opportunity to mock Biden’s performance, reflecting a sense of delight in the Kremlin.
As the aftermath of the debate unfolds, foreign diplomats are left uncertain about the implications for US foreign policy and the future of transatlantic relations. With the world facing numerous challenges, including escalating conflicts and geopolitical tensions, the performance of US leaders on the global stage is being closely scrutinized by allies and adversaries alike.
