What Did Joe Biden Do Today?
February 11 Recap
In a 45-minute phone call between President Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, they focused on reinforcing their joint commitment to defeating Hamas and ensuring the long-term security of Israel. Both leaders discussed the ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, with President Biden emphasizing the importance of building on current negotiation progress to expedite their release. This call comes shortly after Biden criticized Israel's military actions in Gaza as "over the top" and expressed concern for the civilian casualties.
Additionally, President Biden highlighted the necessity of improving the delivery and consistency of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, including a significant shipment of flour, advocating for urgent measures to achieve this. He also expressed concern over the potential military operation in Rafah, emphasizing the need for a well-founded and actionable strategy to protect and support the over one million people seeking refuge there.
Netanyahu has instructed the military to prepare for a possible operation in Rafah, aiming to evacuate civilians and target Hamas battalions. Despite President Biden's criticism, the U.S. acknowledges the need to combat Hamas while emphasizing the protection of innocent lives.
The two leaders agreed to stay in close contact, with no set date for their next call. The President is also engaging with other regional leaders, including Jordan's King Abdullah, to support the hostage release efforts and increase aid to Gaza. Netanyahu's recent comments on U.S. television suggest a commitment to the efforts underway, despite previous tensions over President Biden's remarks. The conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties in Gaza, with Palestinian health authorities reporting over 28,000 deaths, predominantly women and children, since the conflict's start in October.
In an interview with Margaret Brennan on Face The Nation (CBS), Bob Bauer, President Biden's personal attorney and former White House Counsel under President Obama, discussed the findings and implications of a special counsel's report on the mishandling of classified information. Bauer criticized the report for its "shabby work product," including legal conclusions he felt were predetermined and the inclusion of what he considered highly prejudicial language. He revealed that submissions were made to the special counsel and Attorney General Garland to address these issues, emphasizing the report's deviation from Department of Justice (DOJ) norms and policies.
Bauer pointed out the lengthy duration of the investigation, which he believed could have been concluded much sooner. He also took issue with the negative characterizations and factual inaccuracies about President Biden in the report. Despite these criticisms, Bauer confirmed that no requests were made to the DOJ to prevent the report's publication.
He defended President Biden's memory and cognitive abilities, referencing The President's engagement during a two-day deposition. Bauer highlighted moments from the deposition demonstrating President Biden's logical thinking and direct engagement with the questions. He criticized the special counsel for selective reporting and misleading interpretations of The President's recollections.
Bauer refrained from stating that the justice system is rigged but suggested that external political pressures might have influenced the special counsel's handling of the investigation. He argued that the report reached the correct legal conclusion regarding President Biden's handling of classified information but was marred by inaccuracies and inappropriate comments.
The discussion also touched on President Biden's public speaking gaffes, with Bauer reiterating his stance on The President's mental sharpness. Bauer did not confirm whether any aides were disciplined over the mishandling of documents but highlighted that errors were made during the transition period. He clarified President Biden's comments on retaining documents for posterity, explaining that he referred to a personal memo to President Obama, which was not considered to contain classified information.
Bauer emphasized the need to adhere to government processes regarding the potential release of interview transcripts, underscoring the classified nature of the documents and the importance of following appropriate protocols.
The White House reported that Vice President Kamala Harris is set to lead the US delegation to the annual Munich Security Conference. This event gathers leading Western diplomats and military officials, often called the "Davos of Defense." At the conference, scheduled for February 15 to 17, the vice president plans to deliver a significant foreign policy speech and engage in multiple bilateral meetings with international leaders. The discussions will primarily focus on supporting Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia and addressing issues in the Middle East.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, fresh from his Middle East trip, will also attend the conference. The attendance of these high-level officials underscores the US's commitment to addressing global security challenges, particularly the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The backdrop to this event is the ongoing negotiations in the US Congress regarding a substantial defense aid package, which includes $60 billion for Ukraine and $14 billion for Israel, aimed at supporting its efforts against Hamas in Gaza. Despite progress in the Senate, the package faces hurdles due to opposition from certain segments within the Republican Party, closely aligned with presidential candidate Donald Trump.
The European Union, after overcoming objections from Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has committed to providing Ukraine with 50 billion euros ($54 billion) in economic aid, highlighting the international effort to support Kyiv amidst its war with Russia.
Concerns linger in Europe about the durability of US support for Ukraine, especially with the potential return of Donald Trump to the presidency, who is the likely Republican nominee for the upcoming election.
The Munich Security Conference is a key forum for discussing transatlantic relations and global security issues. Harris's involvement aims to reaffirm US leadership, the significance of alliances and partnerships, and the defense of international norms and rules.
Additionally, Blinken's visit to Albania before the Munich conference is a gesture to strengthen US relations with a crucial ally in the Western Balkans, reflecting the broader US strategy to maintain global stability and support for democratic institutions and alliances.