Joe Biden recounts his White House years in his memoir, Promise me, America, defending controversial choices and evaluating global leaders.
Releasing on Tuesday, the book covers the COVID-19 pandemic response, the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the Middle East conflict. The former president also addresses his 2024 reelection bid and subsequent exit from the race.
Global Leaders and Sharp Critiques
Biden offers stark descriptions of foreign counterparts. He characterizes Russian President Vladimir Putin as “petulante” with a tone that favored detachment during meetings, tg24.sky.it reported.
The assessment of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is harsher. Biden accuses Netanyahu of prioritizing personal political survival over Israel’s interests.
Biden compares Netanyahu to Donald Trump regarding an ability to shape reality for personal convenience. Regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Biden notes that his acting background served as good preparation for a wartime leader.
Biden also details a request from members of Trump’s team prior to Trump’s return to office. They asked Biden to sign a letter permitting direct negotiations with Putin, a proposal Biden rejected to prevent a perceived surrender at Ukraine’s expense.
Biden Addresses the Capitol Riot and Donald Trump
The memoir addresses Donald Trump, beginning with the events of Jan. 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol.
"Il presidente americano non stava guidando l’America, stava guidando un’insurrezione.”
Conversely, Biden recalls a cordial post-election meeting in 2024 where Trump offered a generous letter and said that they might have been golf-playing friends without politics. Biden reflects that it felt almost as if two distinct Donald Trumps existed.
Afghanistan and the Middle East
Biden defends the 2021 U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, stating he would make the same decision again. He says that assurances given by officials—that the Afghan government and capital would withstand pressure for at least six months—collapsed within days.
Reviewing the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack, Biden upholds his initial support for Israel, calling the event the worst attack against Jewish people since the Holocaust. However, he addresses civilian casualties.
"Troppi palestinesi innocenti sono stati uccisi.”
Biden Explains His 2024 Candidacy and Debate Performance
The memoir addresses the 2024 election cycle. Biden states that when he consulted advisors in the spring of 2023 regarding another run, agreement was unanimous.
Biden defends his candidacy by emphasizing his political experience over physical constraints. He revisits the televised debate against Trump that stalled his campaign momentum, attributing his poor performance to fatigue from extensive travel and the legal proceedings involving his son Hunter.
Following the debate, high-ranking Democratic figures approached him regarding his candidacy. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer are noted among those who urged him to step aside.
