One year ago, the political landscape was buzzing with anticipation as Joe Biden prepared to seek reelection. Meanwhile, discussions about his cognitive abilities were making their rounds in the media, alongside growing nostalgia for the previous administration under Donald Trump. People were reminiscing about what many deemed a more competent time. Fast forward to June, and Biden faced off against Trump in a debate that apparently left Democratic leaders scrambling. The party decided that Biden’s time had come to an end, bringing Kamala Harris into the spotlight as their new choice for the upcoming election.
In a recent interview with the BBC, Biden dove headfirst into a discussion about Trump, labeling him a threat to democracy and freedom. According to Biden, Trump’s reluctance to fund the ongoing war in Ukraine made him a significant concern, not just for the U.S., but also for NATO. Ironically, even the BBC’s host, who one might think was chosen to support Biden, acknowledged that Trump had a valid point regarding NATO and European nations relying heavily on American military support while contributing little in return. The administration seems to be in denial about the criticisms levied against them, and their insistence is strikingly unconvincing.
Biden attempted to defend NATO’s existence by referencing the unity shown by allied countries after the devastating events of 9/11. He touted that nearly all NATO members were stepping up to contribute at least 2% of their GDP to defense. However, critics might point out that his argument falls flat when examining Poland’s 300 troops sent to assist in Afghanistan compared to the thousands America deployed. Fast forward to today, and with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine making Eastern European allies nervous, the U.S. is footing a huge bill to defend NATO, covering three-quarters of the costs against Russia. The glaring difference in commitment is hard to ignore: America carries the weight while others lag far behind.
The administration’s concerns about NATO might just stem from a genuine fear of what a Trump presidency could mean for military funding worldwide. Leaders from various nations could be worried about having to step up and take on their fair share of defense costs if Trump were to make good on his promises. This recent interview not only highlighted Biden’s steadfastness but also unintentionally shone a light on the glaring incompetencies of his administration, especially in light of the ongoing air traffic crisis in the United States.
Air travel in the country is facing significant hiccups, and the cause is increasingly evident. Biden has reinstated problematic diversity requirements and appointed individuals like Pete Buttigieg to handle crucial roles without any relevant experience. Buttigieg’s track record during times of crisis remains shaky at best, and the frequent equipment failures reported in the air traffic system only add to concerns. Moreover, an FAA study revealed that a large percentage of equipment systems were deemed “unsustainable.” It raises the question of how the administration can focus on political initiatives while neglecting the very foundations of transportation safety and reliability that Americans rely on every day.
As if that wasn’t enough, an investigative report has revealed the staggering mismanagement of a quarter-billion-dollar pier project in Gaza. Designed to woo voters in Michigan, this pier was found to be operational for a mere 20 days. Taxpayer dollars went down the drain at the alarming rate of $11 million per day, all while the local sentiments toward the U.S. took a hit. It seems like Biden’s administration is more concerned about optics and political gain than providing tangible benefits for the American people or managing existing crises. At this point, one could argue that the only thing more astounding than the administration’s radical missteps is their confidence to continue promoting an agenda that seems more like a feeble attempt at distraction than effective governance.
