President Biden spoke to gathered world leaders at a United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York and said they must be willing to concede power in the interests of their people. Referencing the moment he stood aside in favor of Kamala Harris, he said being US President was the honor of his life, and there was so much more he wanted to do, but he understood that “some things are more important than staying in power.” Therefore, he decided to stand aside after 50 years of public service.
Some observers expressed disappointment in President Biden’s speech, with many hoping he would address the escalating crisis in the Middle East and the worsening conflict between Israel and Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Force has conducted days of air strikes in its battle against Islamist group Hezbollah, and has warned of an impending ground offensive. Israel’s chief of staff, Maj Gen Herzi Halevi, said Israeli troops “will enter enemy territory, enter villages that Hezbollah has prepared as large military outposts.”
Biden addressed Lebanon only briefly, saying, “Too many on each side of the Israeli-Lebanon border remain displaced,” and “Full-scale war is not in anyone’s interests.” The President furthermore insisted that a diplomatic solution to the crisis is still on the table.
Democratic Party insiders are reportedly worried that the spiraling situation in the Middle East could harm their chances at the ballot box in November. The party is already divided over the raging Israel – Gaza conflict, and party officials are reportedly worried that the escalation will divide Democrats further and prompt some to stay home on election day.
A Democrat strategist told reporters that Kamala Harris is aware that she is in a tricky spot and must tread a fine line. “She can’t undercut Biden’s policy, and she also has to not upset the balance of her coalition,” the insider said, adding that some people think Harris is not doing enough to help Israel, while others believe she’s not doing enough for Gaza. Donald Trump appears to recognize Harris’s bind and declared himself the only candidate in the Presidential race who is committed to Israel’s protection.
