Staff Reports
President Joe Biden’s so-called “big boy” news conference on Thursday was an exercise in damage control, aimed to show he’s the man in charge. Yet, if anything, it underscored the growing sentiment among Democrats that perhaps he isn’t the guy for the 2024 ticket. You must admire the White House’s choice of words, though — they sure know how to spin a circus.
Biden’s presser was ostensibly about the recent NATO conference in Washington, but the real spectacle was Biden trying to fend off the wolves within his own party. With rising murmurs from Democrats urging him to step aside after his dismal performance in the recent debate against former President Trump, Biden had to put on a show. In a bold move that screams “planned spontaneity,” he called on pre-selected questioners who could barely mask their exasperation.
BIDEN: "I'm following the advice of my commander-in-chief" 😳 pic.twitter.com/FdspE1UIQf
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 11, 2024
One question twenty minutes into the conference – about whether the Biden administration would allow Ukrainians to strike deep into Russian territory with American weapons – really hit a nerve. Almost comically, Biden tried to reassure everyone that someone high up was on it. He apparently forgot that he’s supposed to be that someone. From his comments, it sounds like he’s holding a strategizing session with himself, the commander in chief of… well, himself.
For months, there have been whispers about the Pentagon and State Department mulling over the idea of letting Ukraine get a bit creative with American missiles, transitioning their use from defensive to potentially offensive operations within Russian borders. Secretary of State Antony Blinken tiptoed around this in Moldova, hinting at the need for Ukrainian autonomy in battlefield decisions. This wasn’t about keeping the missiles pointed strictly at invading forces; it was a subtle nod to Ukraine’s carte blanche in picking targets.
This revelation set off alarms. While the hawkish French President Macron might cheer on this aggressive stance, the stakes are much higher for the U.S. Vladimir Putin, already entrenched in what he views as an existential struggle, might see missile strikes on Russian soil as the West crossing a fatal line.
It’s clear: a broader and messier conflict becomes more likely with every step towards this aggressive shift. But no worries, Biden’s all over it! He’s consulting with all the top men in his administration, including this mysterious “commander in chief” he keeps referring to. Maybe next time, someone should clarify who exactly he’s talking about. In the meantime, one cannot help but wonder if the real power brokers are letting Joe play dress-up while they handle the grown-up decisions.
