In his new book titled “War,” renowned journalist Bob Woodward provides a captivating look at President Joe Biden’s private thoughts and conversations with world leaders. The book reveals Biden’s candid and often colorful remarks about figures like Benjamin Netanyahu and Vladimir Putin during crucial moments in his presidency, especially amid international crises.
Biden’s Blunt Assessments
One standout moment in the book shows Biden calling Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu a “bad guy” in a private conversation. This was during a time when Israel was involved in an intense conflict in Gaza. Woodward writes that Biden’s words were blunt: “That son of a bitch, Bibi Netanyahu, he’s a bad fucking guy!”
When discussing Putin, Biden didn’t hold back either. He referred to Putin as “evil” and expressed how challenging it was to deal with him, especially after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Navigating Crises and Conflicts
The book gives readers an in-depth account of one of the most challenging periods in American politics. It covers significant events like the Afghanistan withdrawal and Biden’s strategies for confronting Putin before the invasion of Ukraine.
Woodward shares shocking details, such as how Biden’s team believed there was a 50% chance Putin would use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, indicating the level of tension and fear during that time.
Biden was very worried when he learned from his intelligence team that Putin had amassed 175,000 troops ready to invade Ukraine. During a heated call with Putin, Biden made it clear that nuclear war was not an option, emphasizing, “It’s impossible to win” a nuclear war.
Trump’s Secret Interactions with Putin
Another intriguing part of the book reveals the relationship between former President Donald Trump and Putin. Woodward claims that Trump secretly sent testing equipment for COVID-19 to Putin during the pandemic. Trump reportedly wanted to keep this quiet to avoid backlash.
The book highlights that even after leaving office, Trump and Putin have maintained a connection, with reports suggesting they may have had seven phone calls since Trump’s presidency ended.
The Biden-Netanyahu Relationship
Biden’s relationship with Netanyahu is complicated. Although Biden publicly supports Israel, he often disagrees with Netanyahu’s military strategies. For instance, during a call, Biden asked Netanyahu, “What’s your strategy, man?” showing his frustration with Israel’s approach to the conflict in Gaza.
Biden’s frustrations boiled over after an Israeli airstrike killed civilians, leading him to yell, “What the fuck?” at Netanyahu. He expressed concern that the world sees Israel as a “rogue state” due to its aggressive military actions.
Biden’s Personal and Political Struggles
The book also sheds light on Biden’s personal challenges. He expressed regret about choosing Merrick Garland as Attorney General, feeling that the investigation into his son, Hunter Biden, is never-ending.
He described Trump privately as “that fucking asshole” and voiced frustration over former President Barack Obama not taking Putin seriously in the past. He believes that past mistakes in handling Putin led to the current crisis.
Biden’s Commitment to Global Stability
Despite the controversies and tensions, Woodward’s book showcases Biden’s commitment to addressing global issues and maintaining stability. It paints a vivid picture of a president grappling with significant challenges on the world stage while navigating complex relationships with powerful leaders.
“War” is a revealing and gripping account, offering a behind-the-scenes perspective on Biden’s presidency and the dramatic events that have defined his time in office. It promises to captivate readers interested in politics and international relations.
