Podcast Summary: What A Day – Episode: Biden’s Unresolved Conflicts

Release Date: December 11, 2024
Host: Jane Coaston | Guest: Ben Rhodes
Duration: Approximately 15 minutes

Introduction

In this episode of What A Day, hosted by Jane Coaston from Crooked Media, the focus centers on the complexities and challenges surrounding President Joe Biden’s foreign policy as he prepares to transition power to President-elect Donald Trump. Jane engages in a comprehensive discussion with Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Advisor under President Barack Obama and co-host of Pod Save the World, to dissect the current international conflicts and their implications for the incoming administration.

Syria: A Nation in Turmoil

The episode opens with a startling update on Syria, where President Bashar al-Assad’s regime has seemingly collapsed after 13 years of civil war. However, the newfound optimism is tempered by emerging threats.

• Biden’s Cautious Optimism:
  [01:25] President Joe Biden remarked, “We will remain vigilant. Make no mistake, some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human rights abuses.”

• US Military Actions:
  With Assad fleeing to Moscow, Israeli forces have intensified their military presence, marking the first such intervention in 50 years. Israel has conducted nearly 500 strikes targeting Syrian military infrastructure.

Discussion with Ben Rhodes:

Ben Rhodes emphasizes the precariousness of Syria’s future and the US’s strategic interests in preventing the resurgence of ISIS amidst the chaos.

• Preventing ISIS Resurgence:
  [03:22] Rhodes explains, “The US doesn’t want ISIS to use this moment of chaos and disruption to reestablish itself.”

• Risks of a Power Vacuum:
  [05:02] He outlines potential dangers, including a return to civil war, increased refugee flows, and heightened Iranian or Russian influence in the region.

Israel’s Ongoing Conflict in Gaza

The host shifts focus to Israel’s enduring conflict in Gaza, highlighting deep divisions within the Democratic Party and the broader international community’s reaction.

• Amnesty International’s Accusation:
  Amnesty International has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, with over 40,000 Palestinians killed and numerous Israeli hostages still unaccounted for.

Discussion with Ben Rhodes:

Rhodes critiques President Biden’s approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict, suggesting missed opportunities for diplomacy and humanitarian intervention.

• Biden’s Support for Israel:
  [06:09] “He will never use leverage on [Israel].” Rhodes contends that Biden’s unwavering support has led to significant suffering for Palestinians without yielding positive outcomes.

• Mixed Regional Outcomes:
  [07:42] While Iran appears weakened, the devastation in Gaza poses long-term stability issues, including potential unrest in neighboring countries like Jordan and the West Bank.

The War in Ukraine: A Stalemate Persists

The discussion transitions to the protracted conflict in Ukraine, highlighting the substantial US military aid and the unforeseen resilience of Ukrainian forces against Russian aggression.

• Biden’s Military Aid:
  The Biden administration has provided Ukraine with tens of billions in military support since the Russian invasion, helping Ukraine resist expected swift defeat.

Discussion with Ben Rhodes:

Rhodes evaluates Biden’s handling of the Ukraine war, acknowledging both successes and ongoing challenges.

• Success in Support:
  [09:34] “Ukraine’s survival and the unity among NATO in supporting Ukraine” are highlighted as major achievements of Biden’s foreign policy.

• Emerging Challenges:
  [09:34] However, Rhodes points out the current stalemate favoring Russia and the ineffectiveness of US sanctions, which have also destabilized Europe economically and politically.

• Long-Term Risks:
  [11:08] Rhodes warns of potential long-term repercussions, including territorial occupations by Russia and increased instability in European security, especially with potential Russian-backed nationalist movements in the Balkans.

Biden’s Foreign Policy Legacy

As the conversation nears its conclusion, Jane and Ben reflect on what Biden’s foreign policy legacy might entail.

• Mixed Legacy:
  [12:28] Rhodes notes, “While Ukraine and NATO unity stand out, the Gaza conflict may overshadow other aspects of Biden’s foreign policy.”

• Limited Long-Term Impact:
  He suggests that Biden’s tenure might not leave a lasting imprint on US foreign policy, largely serving as a transitional period between two Trump administrations.

Brief News Highlights

Beyond the in-depth discussion with Ben Rhodes, the episode touches upon several key news items:

• Biden’s Economic Speech:
  President Biden defends his economic policies, highlighting achievements like the American Rescue Plan, Chips and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act, while warning of potential setbacks under Trump’s proposed tariffs and tax cuts for billionaires.

• Matt Gaetz’s New Venture:
  Former Congressman Matt Gaetz announces a new primetime show and podcast on One America News Network, targeting a Gen Z audience.

• DOJ’s Internal Watchdog Report:
  A report by DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz reveals that the DOJ may have improperly acquired private communications of Congress members and journalists during Trump's first term.

• Jonestown Memorial Controversy:
  The Guyanese government’s proposal to make Jonestown a tourist attraction faces backlash, contrasting with views that it should remain a solemn memorial.

Conclusion

Jane Coaston wraps up the episode by emphasizing the ongoing nature of these international conflicts and the significant challenges that lie ahead for the incoming Trump administration. The episode offers listeners a nuanced exploration of Biden’s foreign policy achievements and shortcomings, setting the stage for the future geopolitical landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Biden at [01:25]: “We will remain vigilant. Make no mistake, some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human rights abuses.”

• Ben Rhodes at [03:22]: “The US doesn’t want ISIS to use this moment of chaos and disruption to reestablish itself.”

• Ben Rhodes at [06:09]: “He will never use leverage on [Israel].”

• Ben Rhodes at [09:34]: “Ukraine’s survival and the unity among NATO in supporting Ukraine” are part of Biden's legacy."

• Ben Rhodes at [11:08]: “We could just kind of be in a world again where European security is in question.”

This detailed summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights shared in the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and those who missed the live broadcast.