In the Form of a New Book: Liberal Author Probes Joe Biden Incompetency Concerns In New Book – A recently published book, “The Last Politician” by Franklin Foer, delves into the inner workings of the Biden administration and raises concerns about President Joe Biden’s competency. Even when attempting to defend the president, Foer’s account portrays Biden as ill-suited for the role.
Foer’s book highlights Biden’s handling of sensitive situations, particularly his response to the tragic events in Afghanistan, where 13 U.S. service members lost their lives. Foer describes Biden’s attempt at empathy as unconvincing, stating, “grieving was his expertise… The Irish journalist Fintan O’Toole once called him ‘the Designated Mourner.'”
However, Biden’s actions did not come across as comforting. Foer notably omits mention of Biden looking at his watch during the return of the fallen soldiers, as well as repeatedly bringing up his son Beau to family members who did not wish to hear it.
Biden’s interactions with Gold Star families are not the only areas of concern highlighted by Foer.
Foreign Policy Failures of Joe Biden
The author points out that Biden’s confidence in himself, particularly in foreign policy matters, is sometimes unwarranted. Foer writes, “When it came to foreign policy, Joe Biden possessed a swaggering faith in himself,” leaving out the word “unwarranted.”
The book questions whether there is any major foreign policy decision in Biden’s four-decade-long career that he got right.
It reminds readers of Biden’s opposition to the raid to kill Osama bin Laden and the criticism he faced from former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who once noted that Biden had been wrong on nearly every major foreign policy issue.
Even when Biden does get it right, according to Foer, he often caves to his own staff’s pressure. Foer cites an example where Biden correctly predicted that reversing Trump’s policies would lead to a surge of people crossing the border, but he appeared surprised to learn that ICE might stop targeting fentanyl dealers, sex offenders, and other felons.
Despite his reservations, Biden did not take action to prevent this policy shift. Foer suggests that Biden’s approach to certain issues is out of step with his party’s leftward trajectory.
Foer’s book clearly offers an insightful look into the Biden administration, revealing instances where the president’s actions and decisions have raised questions about his competence and leadership. The book portrays a presidency in which Biden’s staff often dictates policy, corrects his statements, and limits his public appearances, leaving readers to ponder whether Biden is truly the one in charge.
Who is Franklin Foer?
Foer is a staff writer at The Atlantic and author known for his work on politics, culture, and technology. He previously served as the editor of The New Republic magazine.
Foer has written extensively on various topics, including politics, technology, and media. He has authored books such as “World Without Mind: The Existential Threat of Big Tech,” in which he explores the influence of technology companies on society and culture. He has also contributed articles to several well-known publications.
He has described himself as politically liberal.
Georgia Gilholy is a journalist based in the United Kingdom who has been published in Newsweek, The Times of Israel, and the Spectator. Gilholy writes about international politics, culture, and education.
