Bob Woodward’s latest book, War, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Biden White House, revealing a familiar portrait of a president consumed by anger and resentment. The book paints a picture of a leader who is out of control, harboring deep-seated grudges against those who have crossed him, including former President Barack Obama.
According to the book, Biden’s private comments about his adversaries are often laced with venom, as evidenced by his disparaging remarks about Donald Trump. He also unleashes his ire on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with whom he has a contentious relationship. Biden’s behavior is driven by a mix of political differences, perceived slights, and a sense of inadequacy.
The book’s revelations are a stark reminder of the weakness of the Biden presidency, which was ultimately pushed out of the 2024 election by top Democratic donors and congressional leaders. The fact that Nancy Pelosi, no longer Speaker of the House, wields more influence than the President is a telling indictment of Biden’s leadership.
Biden’s foreign policy record is particularly damning, marked by a series of missteps and miscalculations. His handling of the Gaza conflict, for example, was driven by a desire to shore up his flagging support among young voters in swing states. The President’s lack of qualifications and temperament have left him with little credibility on the world stage.
Biden’s criticism of Obama is particularly galling, given their shared support for the disastrous Iran nuclear deal. Moreover, Biden’s reported opposition to the mission that killed Osama bin Laden raises serious questions about his judgment. The fact that his security team believed Putin would use nuclear weapons in Ukraine is a sobering reminder of the incompetence that has defined the Biden presidency.