Legendary journalist Bob Woodward’s new book, “War,” provides an inside look at President Joe Biden’s blunt and profanity-laced interactions with world leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu and Vladimir Putin. Biden refers to Netanyahu as a “bad guy,” while calling Putin “evil” and “the epitome of evil.” The book explores key moments in Biden’s presidency, including the Afghanistan withdrawal, confronting Putin before the Ukraine invasion, and private clashes with Netanyahu. The book is based on hundreds of hours of interviews with firsthand participants and reveals new details about high-stakes showdowns.
Woodward reports that Biden’s national security team believed there was a real threat of Putin using nuclear weapons in Ukraine, with a 50% chance of it happening. Biden also criticizes former President Barack Obama for not taking Putin seriously in the past. The book also delves into Trump’s private conversations with Putin and a secret shipment of Covid-19 testing equipment Trump sent to Russia. The US had obtained intelligence showing Putin’s plans to invade Ukraine with 175,000 troops, leading to tense confrontations between Biden and Putin.
As tensions escalated, Biden confronted Putin twice with intelligence about the invasion plans. Despite warnings, Ukrainian President Zelensky dismissed the idea of an invasion until Vice President Harris warned him it was imminent. The book reveals how worried Harris was about Zelensky’s safety during the conflict. Woodward also documents dramatic moments where Biden and his national security team grappled with the possibility of Putin using nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
The book contains details of Trump’s continued relationship with Putin after leaving office, including multiple phone calls between the two leaders. Woodward also touches on Trump’s decision to run for president again, with conversations with Senator Lindsey Graham providing advice for the 2024 campaign. Biden’s relationship with Netanyahu is also explored, showcasing private clashes between the two leaders during the war in Gaza. Biden expresses frustration with Netanyahu’s tactics and decisions during the conflict.
“War” also sheds light on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s discussions about normalizing relations with Israel and Secretary of State Blinken’s attempts to negotiate humanitarian assistance for Gaza. Woodward describes an intense meeting between Blinken and MBS, where the crown prince’s demands for Palestinian statehood were discussed. Additionally, details about Biden’s personal struggles, including his private frustrations with Trump and regrets about his selection of Attorney General Merrick Garland, are documented in the book.
The book offers insights into Biden’s decision not to run for re-election in 2024, culminating in his endorsement of Vice President Harris. Harris’ private interactions with Biden are also highlighted, showing her concerns about Biden’s isolation and efforts to maintain a close relationship with him. The book provides a comprehensive account of key moments in Biden’s presidency, from international confrontations with world leaders to personal and political struggles within his administration.
