Following the highly publicized confrontation between US President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, Dr. Shai Har-Zvi, an expert on US affairs, shared his insights on the aftermath of the conflict and its far-reaching implications. He noted that calls for Biden’s retirement and replacement within the Democratic Party have already begun, with concerns about his ability to lead an effective election campaign. A poll by CNN revealed that about two-thirds of respondents believed Trump emerged as the winner in the confrontation.
Har-Zvi highlighted the importance of upcoming polls in determining the consequences of the conflict, especially as the Democratic conference, where the party’s presidential candidate will be officially appointed, is scheduled to take place in approximately a month and a half. Should Biden choose to retire, Vice President Kamala Harris is considered a leading candidate to replace him, although she does not garner significant support. Other potential candidates mentioned include Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, and former First Lady Michelle Obama.
The expert emphasized that the timing of the confrontation could work in Biden’s favor if he decides to continue in the race, allowing him time to make amends before the next scheduled confrontation on September 10. However, if Biden opts to retire, it would give the Democratic Party an opportunity to select a successor before the conference. Har-Zvi also pointed out that a perception of a weak US president could have implications for international relationships, impacting alliances like that with Israel and potential normalization efforts with Saudi Arabia.
On a bilateral level, Har-Zvi advised Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to handle any disputes with the US administration behind closed doors to avoid public conflicts. He warned against Netanyahu being seen as supporting Trump and the Republicans, as it could negatively affect Democratic support for Israel. Preserving bipartisan support, he argued, is essential for maintaining the strong alliance between the two countries.