President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are expected to address foreign policy issues at the upcoming debate in Atlanta. While the Biden campaign aims to focus on domestic issues like the economy and reproductive rights, foreign policy has been a significant part of Biden's first term. Biden's advisers have acknowledged that events abroad have sometimes diverted the president's attention from domestic matters.
Unlike previous election cycles, there is no dedicated foreign policy debate scheduled. Instead, foreign policy is expected to be part of the broader discussion at the upcoming debate. Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, has been leading discussions on foreign policy preparations with the president and other top advisers at Camp David.
Biden's team sees foreign policy as a way to highlight a contrast with Trump's leadership. They plan to emphasize Biden's stance against dictators and defense of freedom, contrasting it with what they perceive as Trump's recklessness and danger.
Trump has criticized Biden for presiding over a chaotic world, claiming that the world was calmer during his own presidency. However, Trump's positions on foreign policy areas like Gaza, Ukraine, and China have been ambiguous. Biden may find it challenging to pinpoint clear lines of attack against Trump's foreign policy.
Biden is expected to highlight his efforts to strengthen American leadership, alliances, and democracy abroad while accusing Trump of abandoning US allies and cozying up to dictators. Biden's team has used Trump's own words to frame their attacks, pointing to instances where Trump praised authoritarian leaders and made concerning statements about NATO allies.
Despite risks, including criticism from progressives and Republicans on issues like the war in Gaza and aid to Ukraine, Biden remains focused on demonstrating US support for democracy and sovereignty on the world stage. The upcoming debate is likely to showcase the contrasting foreign policy approaches of Biden and Trump, with both candidates seeking to make their case to the American public.
