Biden does not lead — and does not even follow well
Biden presents himself as a world leader in all matters. His most recent claim to the title is his support for aid to Ukraine against a small group of House Republicans who oppose such aid.
I cannot remotely understand their thinking. It is essential – and existential – to American national security, as well as that of the world’s democracies, that Putin be totally defeated in his aggressive imperialism.
Whether wittingly or unwittingly (and I cannot imagine the latter), that small contingent of isolationists are playing into Putin’s hands. They are undermining the war effort by giving Putin hope that his plan to win the war by wearing down Western support is succeeding. The obvious shortage of ammunition for the Ukraine war effort is also giving Putin encouragement.
One of the side effects of the campaign against aid to Ukraine is that the naysayers have given the appearance that Biden is a strong supporter of the Ukrainian war effort. In reality, he is what he has been in the past – nominally committed. He has pursued a too little/too late policy since the Madman of Moscow first surrounded western Ukraine with troops. And even the congressional aid bill is also limited in scope.
At the onset of the invasion, Biden talked tough. But his actions were better described as acquiescence. He assured Putin that America would not directly engage in the war – essentially throwing a welcome mat over Ukraine for Putin. Biden never imposed all the sanctions he promised. He never imposed the no-fly zone President Zelenskyy requested. He did not initially provide the longest-range weapons – and only if Ukraine did not strike inside of Mother Russia. He never sent the jet fighters.
Biden trembled and wavered every time Putin pointed to his nuclear missiles. It was the classical confrontation of the bully and the bullied.
Yet, Democrats and the media claim that Biden is THE world leader – and especially the leader of NATO. In fact, Biden has generally been behind the curve. Most allies expressed their opinion that surrender in Afghanistan was a bad decision. Several NATO nations have expressed their support and willingness to send jet fighters to Ukraine – but Biden demurred.
Weeell … one of NATO’s newest members, Norway, has shown the world that Biden and the United States are NOT leading. Despite Biden’s efforts to keep jet fighters out of the hands of the Ukrainian Air Force, Norway has agreed to send the embattled nation a number of F-16 Fighting Falcons.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said, “… we are glad to participate in the F-16 fighter programme, where we will transfer Norwegian F-16s, modernized and in good shape, alongside the Danes and the Dutch.” That is three NATO nations that are taking the lead.
What is even more important in Barth Eide’s announcement is that the jets are being provided to enable Ukraine to attack sites inside of Russia. Barth Eide did not rule out future military aid to Ukraine. Other NATO nations, such as Poland, Estonia and Latvia, have expressed support for more military aid to Ukraine.
Far from being the leader in aid to Ukraine – or anything else — Biden is resisting the leadership of other nations. His unqualified support for Israel has turned to criticism and embrace of pro-Hamas propaganda.
Perhaps it is that old “lead from behind” that Obama proffered, or just the fact that Biden holds a myopically motivated partisan political calculus. Whatever the reason, Biden has turned “American leadership” into an oxymoron.
So. There ‘tis.
Bill Sheridan bans free speech and does not allow comments. Otherwise he might find out his source note earmark dollars went 60/40 on the money for 2023 earmarks to the Democrats. This year it went 60/40 to the Republicans.
Horist: did Biden loose the war as you thought when it began?
Didn’t Biden add countries to NATO?
Isn’t it your guy’s policy to not defend NATO countries behind on their commitments? What’s his policy on non-NATO countries where people speak Russian like Crimes and Ukraine?
Didn’t his campaign staff work for Russian interests?
Doesn’t his son get billions from the Muslims?
I want the war over. Feel it’s time to escalate. Would rather not send our kids in. Guess which one is top priority with me?
Don’t be so cavalier with our kids. I would rather they die for the US and not for Ukraine. We are holding the line; I think we will ruin life in Russia and he will fall. And that will be that. If wrong, there’s plenty of time to drop the big ones and put boots on the ground. Russia ain’t coming to Miami any time soon except for Trump’s business.
No, “Biden” didn’t, “add countries to NATO, “Nato” did. But, China Joe Biden DID add “$380 Million for Border Protection in Middle East countries!
Uh oh; during Biden’s watch, NATO expansion is. He gets the check!
Border security —- wasn’t that Congress?
Eight back at cha. Purple Tom 😁
Frank, this Tom that you responded to is not NC Tom.
Ah…… red Tom!!! :>)
thanks, I wondered.
“THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!”
Frank Stetson … Since you know I lost a grandson in Afghanistan, you suggesting that I am cavalier about young men and women dying in war is not only wrong, it reveals the depth of your own hatefulness and depravity. As far as the rest of your nonsense, I have told you many times, I prefer to let other readers make their own judgments — at least anyone who bothers to read your long … rambling … repetitious … and highly personal bullcrap.
Gonna let this one go Horist except to say, no, I did not remember your grandson and he in no way influenced my post. There was no hatred, or using him to get to you. I just hate the idea of sending our kids to die to protect Ukraine. We can stop Putin anytime we want. Him taking or not taking Ukraine does not change that in the short term.
And not to worry, I did not expect a response. Never do.
Let’s be clear: if F16’s are being donated to Ukraine, Biden and the US are involved at some level. The F16’s are high maintenance machines, they are ours, you don’t fly them without our support.; Trained techs, engineers, and ground crews are essential to the program. This is not like hoping out of a FORD truck and jumping in a CHEVY. It’s like going from a FORD truck to a formula 1 race car requiring not only driver adaptations but pit crew and mechanics as well. And nobody does shit to an F16 without asking Biden if it is OK. In writing.
Poland was the first to supply planes, 4 MIGs, starting in March of 2023 with more coming in the weeks that followed. Previously, the UK pledged to backfill any donations. Biden approved.
A total of 27 Migs have been provided.
Slovakia, one of my motherlands, sent 13 more the next day.
Denmark gave 6 f16’s at the end of 2023 with 8 more in 24 and 4 in 25. Norway promised 42, not sure of schedule. Biden still approved.
Denmark, Greece, Romania, doing pilot training. Will take a minimum of six months from the end of 2023. To get the training, Biden signed off on the program ALLOWING these countries to train. The US is also training a handful of pilots in AZ. That’s right, Biden is actively supporting this effort with US resources on US land. After the training began, experts said it looks like 5 to 9 months, not six. So, they will fly in 2024; experts say 4-5 years to be proficient.
The truth is that these countries provided the hardware. UK will provide backfill, and the US approved all, approved training, and is even training some Ukrainian personnel. I am sorry but is the “make NATO pay its fair share” crowd upset that the US is not footing the bill? Are people upset that it takes 6 months to train, but Ukrainians, based on experience and language, will take 5 to 9 months to train and Horist wanted to do that early in the war? Wasn’t he one of those who said it would be over in a few weeks, and not in a good way? Did he continue saying that a year later?
When you are the biggest guy on the block, you really don’t have to slam everyone every time you feel assaulted. Don’t get me wrong, I want to stop Putin here. I think it is all or nothing. But if Biden can do it without our direct involvement, great. A miracle. Especially in an election year. Does anyone really think if Don becomes King again that Putin will just pick up his toys and go home? It’s nice to see other countries pick up the ball and run with it. Perhaps Putin will think he’s dealing against the world instead of just one guy, like Horist’s man Trump handles things. Remember him surrendering Afghanistan without the Afghans even at the table? Or when he left the Kurds to die? Horist likes his polices and programs.
In 2022, Ukraine had about 120 aircraft and one would expect pilots and infrastructure to match. By 2024, they have about 80 so the 60 new aircraft should keep them whole, but will include better equipment, the f16s, which come at a heavy training and support costs. They will also need runway improvements to land and take off. It’s sort of like the Kalashnikov rifle against ours. Ours is better, but temperamental requiring skilled maintenance. The AK-47 can be dredged in mud and have a 9-year-old take it apart, clean, put together and it works. Drop ours in mud and you better take it to the shop. The AK-47 is the world’s gun, ours is a specialty armament. You can get AK-47 parts anywhere in the world. Our parts, just us. Same with MIG versus f16. You can land a MIG in a field. You need smooth glass-like surface for an F16. You need a degree to take care of a MIG, you need a PhD for an F16. Even if trained, you need 4 years or more to really become proficient.
Biden may not be giving planes, but he’s giving to OK for others to do so. He’s training Ukrainians in Arizona from our best people on our dime. Finally, we are not footing the entire bill and Republicans don’t like that either. Sigh.
Frank Stetson … You make a log of statements without any proof. But you opinion of Biden’s roles is that of a cheerleader. You seem to ASSUME that Biden is the leader of NATO. While you say he “approves” of the other nations sending jet, the fact is he has not publicly “opposed” those shipments. You made the same mistake when you credit Biden with admitting two nations in to NATO. That was a done deal when Turkey came around. Biden was just one vote in favor — he did not lead lead the effort and he did not even play a role in getting Turkey to approve. Biden defied our allies in NATO when he unilaterally surrounded in Afghanistan against their advice. In terms of sanctions and military aid to Ukraine, Biden has been too little/too late. His weak responses to Putin were a significant part of the decision by the Madman of Moscow to invade Ukraine in the first place. And if Biden is such a leader of NATO, why has he not been able to get member nations to meet their financial obligations. Thanks to Biden, the United States has less influence int he world … in the UN … and in NATO. It is one thing that you have your brain on permanent spin cycle, but your analysis is pure Alice in Wonderland — where you seem to have taken up permanent residency these days..
You know that you can’t fix stupid, but one more time: “You make a log of statements without any proof.” Folks, archetype example of pot calling kettle black. From Mr. Generality himself, he white washes the entire thing as NO PROOF. Gee, I counted quite a few facts in evidence, a lot had those things Horist struggles to figure out: NUMBERS!
BUSTED
“You seem to ASSUME that Biden is the leader of NATO.” Where did I say that? Certainly not here.
BUSTED
“While you say he “approves” of the other nations sending jet, the fact is he has not publicly “opposed” those shipments.” Uh, yeah, me. What’s weird is that you tout yourself as the great government expert including defense and the budget. Yeah, NUMBERS, sorry. Some sourcing:
“President Joe Biden’s decision to allow allies to train Ukrainian forces on how to operate F-16 fighter jets — and eventually to provide the aircraft themselves — seemed like an abrupt change in position but was in fact one that came after months of internal debate and quiet talks with allies.” AP 8/23
“The United States has approved sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands to defend against Russian invaders as soon as pilot training is completed, a U.S. official said on Thursday.” Reuters 8/23.
BUSTED
There’s like a dozen more citations, wanna bet I can find Fox and Epoch Times?
BUSTED
And here’s cognitive diminished Horist talking about a military effort that never happened. He lies when he says: “Biden defied our allies in NATO when he unilaterally surrounded in Afghanistan against their advice” We left, we didn’t surround…. OK OK, it’s a typo, just kidding. But give the man a break, we all typo, say things wrong, remember boldly. The difference is, when confronted, Biden fesses up and takes the toll. Trump, and Horist, almost never walk it back. The difference is Biden’s lies don’t take kids from parents, tell you covid is going away, rewrite you to safety from a hurricane that’s bearing down, or send your own supporters in to steal the election, his second, where one gets killed and over 450 go to jail for a total of hundreds of total years behind bars. And the law is coming for about 80 more who currently live one-eye always open on a swivel neck not safe with friend or foe anymore.
At least when he asked them to protest his current court show only a handful are listening to the lies this time. But it’s not progress; like Horist they are voting for a liar in chief like no President we have ever had before.
“Thanks to Biden, the United States has less influence int he world” Int your world, maybe. But in the real world, prove it. I can prove Trump is the biggest liar ever, no problem. Even have databases. You — you’re still looking at Hunter’s bank accounts for Joe’s truck loans. And your witnesses have perjured or ran for the hills before testimony. Dozens of truth-telling weaponization whistleblowers became two or three shot down in their first session. The transcripts your side had for the rest are not forthcoming; guess that was a lie too.
“but your analysis is pure Alice in Wonderland — where you seem to have taken up permanent residency these days..”
And you sir, are a pugnacious prick who cannot defend his points except in vague generalities, the pronouncement that “everyone knows it,” and your vast experience as a political hack no doubt master of the dirty trick. One would think would have taken a look as to whether the F16s has Biden’s approval, blessing, or even a knowing nod. They did and they would not fly without it. For any President.
Stick to the issues, leave the name calling to the lesser lifeforms, many of whom are your closest followers. This crap is beneath you.
This is NC Tom. Good summary Frank. I agree with it. GOP has frustrated many efforts and then creates an alternate story to cover up their nefarious efforts. Many GOP’ers have drank the Kool Aide. They speak of how long it has taken to put Trump on trial but never talk about Trump weaponizing the DOJ by Barr cancelling many of the investigations at the orders of Trump. GOP talks that there is no crime with the Hush money trial but fail to discuss the whole process and where the crime really lies. Same with GOP making it sound like they are giving the most Ukraine weaponry support but that is not true, Europe is giving more. I am very tired of GOP spin.
I think the problem is Larry’s bias as well as his perception of a “leader”. Larry wants Biden to act and lead like Trump, flamboyantly, disruptively, and with lots of insults and degradation. What I have seen is a Biden is a leader that prefers to do the tough negotiations privately by phone or WH meeting. I see a Biden that does not want to fracture important international relationships. I see a Biden that is a long term thinker and not a short term transactionist like Trump. I see a Biden where long term relationships matter more than the “what are you doing for me today” Trump approach. Having said this, I do think Biden arrives a bit late to the party in many ways where in the case of Ukraine this shows as being overly concerned about spreading the war and not enough concerned about ensuring Ukraine has what ever weapons it takes to win. Biden seems to be playing for a draw rather than a win. I am not sure what Larry is getting at when he mentions the Israel-Hamas war since Larry is a strong proponent of defending Israel’s survival. Larry seems to be blaming the Palestinian protests on Biden without mentioning that those protests are because Biden position on the war is the same as Larry’s position.
Tom of NC … Thanks for the clarification, I mistakenly thought you had given up you Ed McMahon role. but now we see the sycophantic Tom who often leads with :” agree with you Frank.” LOL And yet Again> you engage in a dishonest straw man to strengthen your feeble case. You say I want a leader like Trump. That is a lie and you KNOW it is a lie. I have often written my dislike for Trump’s pugnacious and bellicose style. You have read everything have written for years, so you know the truth,. And I have not “blamed” Biden for the anti-Israel protest, l but have written that they are having a negative impact on his campaign. Again your misrepresent the truth,. You not only do not speak for independents, you are a bad example of one — at least the many truly honest independents that I have known. You and Frank seem to have evolved into a couple of binary planets spinning around each other…..LOL
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Tom, gotcha. I agree, in international, everywhere, Biden seems a day late, a dollar short. While Trump is a one-trick madman of a pony and that gets predictable pretty fast, I do wish Biden would pull a little of the Mel Gibson Lethal Weapon crazy man act to keep our adversaries off balance, off center. But on this one, as we say in business. let the pioneers take the first arrows. These f16s will probably go down faster than they go up. And I am sure the Ukraine will need more by end of year. They have a full air force, probably not enough pilots, and will not be proficient f16 flyers for years. Gonna need a bigger boat at some time.
And yes, it seems we are playing for a draw and that’s bad. We cannot take a decades-war again. We cannot cede territory and call it even. We should take Crimea back before it’s done. We lost last summer’s offensive, that’s a big part, but if we don’t make headway this summer, it’s too long. And the planes won’t do shit for this summer. Our munitions will.
Personally, I think our next escalation should be a no-fly zone. Let the world decide, let the world pitch in, and on that one, by design —- we can take the lead. But that does risk boots on the ground, it is an escalation for sure, but also, for sure, Ukraine won’t need no stinking air force then, except for some ez on-the-job training.