As President Joe Biden bids farewell to world leaders at the UN General Assembly this week, he is focused on one primary objective: solidifying his legacy in light of a potential comeback by Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election.
Global leaders are anxiously monitoring the November election, aware that a Trump victory could reintroduce his hardline and isolationist foreign policy. With Biden having endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee after withdrawing from the race in July, the 81-year-old president is keen to ensure that his achievements are “irreversible,” as one advisor put it.
During his final UN appearance, Biden will deliver a keynote address outlining his vision for continued US leadership and alliance-building, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that Biden aims to reaffirm the successes of his approach, which seeks to restore American leadership on the global stage.
In a poignant moment ahead of the assembly, former President Bill Clinton presented Biden with the “Clinton Global Citizen Award” at a surprise ceremony, underscoring the importance of his legacy. Biden held a cabinet meeting last week to rally support for his policies, focusing on giving Vice President Harris the visibility needed in this closely contested election.
The administration is also keen on highlighting the decency and dignity restored to the White House, contrasting Biden’s approach with Trump’s. As Biden strives to put his stamp on various policies, he is hosting key leaders from Japan, India, and Australia in a farewell summit aimed at reinforcing international alliances.
On climate policy, Biden seeks to generate “irreversible momentum” for climate action after Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris accords. Furthermore, he is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss continued US support for Ukraine amid a challenging geopolitical landscape.
Despite these efforts, achieving a Gaza ceasefire before his term ends in January 2025 appears increasingly distant, especially with rising tensions following recent Israeli attacks in Lebanon.
In his speech at the UN, Biden plans to address the complexities of the Middle East, reflecting on the tumultuous year and the urgent need for cooperative solutions.
As Biden navigates these critical discussions, he aims to leave a lasting legacy that stands in stark contrast to the previous administration’s policies.
News Editor