Mr. Biden Goes to Ukraine...on President's Day
Does that seem weird to anyone?
Do sitting presidents usually celebrate President’s Day? Let’s back that up a bit. Do sitting presidents typically acknowledge President’s Day?
On Monday, President’s Day, Joe Biden made a surprise trip to Kyiv to visit Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. This move was praised by many, especially Zelenskyy, who said, “This is the most important visit in the whole history of the Ukraine-U.S. relationship.”
Back home, Cory Booker released this tweet:
Maybe it’s where a U.S. president belongs on President’s Day, visiting a war-torn country to show his support.
Not everyone in the United States felt that way, though. Of course, many Republicans voiced their displeasure. Some insisted that Biden should have gone to East Palestine, Ohio, instead of Kyiv, Ukraine, as if those were the only two options available.
Biden didn’t necessarily need to visit East Palestine on President’s Day, but did he at least need to acknowledge President’s Day? A review of his social media reveals he did not. Instead, he proclaimed the United States’ unwavering support for Ukraine in its war against Russia.
Maybe he could have appeased everyone and said, “On this President’s Day, America - and the world - stands with Ukraine.” It might have been a nice way to tie together his trip and the national holiday when we remember George Washington and every president after him.
What do you think?
I agree, not weird at all. But actually pretty damn risky, I thought. And coincidentally Putin delivered a big address to his "audience" that couldn't have just been thrown together in response to Biden's visit. I suspect that US intelligence had a lot to do with the timing, and it just happened to fall on President's Day. The West (represented by us/US) is being challenged on the world stage and this response seems appropriate and yes, gracious.
As for President's Day, I just saw a suggestion that maybe we should recognize President's Day on the first Tuesday of November, and make it a national holiday for everyone so they can vote without worrying if they can get done with work in time. I'd like to hear a lot more talk about that idea, and a lot less partisan positioning about Biden's whereabouts on this particular President's Day. That wouldn't be weird at all, either.
Not weird at all. The visit to the Ukraine was gracious and necessary. He acknowledged President's Day by performing a very presidential duty. In this world, it's not all about us.