Optimal Political Choice: International leaders praised US President Joe Biden’s accomplishments as he announced his withdrawal from the election on Monday. As demand to resign mounted, the senior Democrat dropped his candidacy for reelection and backed Kamala Harris for the presidency. To challenge Donald Trump, the vice president will now need to win the party nomination at the next Democratic Convention.
“I respect President Biden’s decision and look forward to working together during the remainder of his presidency. I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, he will have decided based on what he believes is best for the American people,” wrote newly elected British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“I’ve known President Biden for years. He’s a great man, and his love for his country guides everything he does. As President, he is a partner to Canadians — and a true friend. To President Biden and the First Lady: Thank you,” added his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau.
The US has been a steadfast backer of both Ukraine’s defense against the Russian invasion and Israel’s battle in Gaza. Sunday’s correspondence between Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky and Israeli president Isaac Herzog demonstrated this relationship.
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Joe Biden for his friendship and steadfast support for the Israeli people over his decades-long career. As the first US President to visit Israel in wartime, as a recipient of the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, and as a true ally of the Jewish people, he is a symbol of the unbreakable bond between our two peoples. I send him, Jill Biden, and all his family, my warmest wishes from Jerusalem,” the Israeli President said on X.
“Ukraine is grateful to President Biden for his unwavering support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom, which, along with strong bipartisan support in the United States, has been and continues to be critical. Many strong decisions have been made in recent years and they will be remembered as bold steps taken by President Biden in response to challenging times. And we respect today’s tough but strong decision,” the Ukrainian president added.
Zelensky also voiced gratitude for the Biden-led government and its efforts to stop “Putin from occupying our country”.
Historic US allies in Europe are also bracing for a more transactional and combative foreign policy in light of the prospect of a Trump presidency. If the Republican leader were to win reelection, there’s a chance he would turn his attention to Ukraine and use tariffs as a geoeconomic weapon against China and Europe.
“It is undoubtedly the decision of a statesman who has served his country for decades,” Fiala said on X. “It is a responsible and personally difficult step, but it is all the more valuable. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the USA that a good president emerges from the democratic competition of two strong and equal candidates,” said Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala.
(With inputs from agencies)