In Bob Woodward’s new book, “War,” he provides an inside look at President Joe Biden’s candid and profanity-laced conversations with world leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu and Vladimir Putin. Biden’s blunt assessments of these leaders and his interactions with them are detailed, offering a unique perspective on his presidency. The book also reveals new information about Donald Trump’s private conversations with Putin and a secretive shipment of Covid-19 testing equipment sent by Trump to the Russian president.
Based on extensive interviews with key participants, “War” delves into high-stakes moments during Biden’s presidency, including the Afghanistan withdrawal and the tensions leading up to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Woodward reports that Biden’s national security team believed there was a real threat of Putin using nuclear weapons in Ukraine, and Biden expressed regrets about his choice of Attorney General Merrick Garland and criticized Obama for not taking Putin seriously in 2014.
Woodward’s book provides a detailed account of the lead-up to Russia’s invasion, with the US obtaining intelligence showing Putin’s plans to invade Ukraine in 2021. Biden confronted Putin about this intelligence, leading to a tense exchange where Putin raised the risk of nuclear war. Despite warnings, Ukrainian President Zelensky did not believe Putin would invade, even after a meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris where she warned him of the imminent invasion.
The book also delves into Trump’s relationship with Putin post-presidency, including details of several phone calls between the two leaders. Woodward describes a scene at Mar-a-Lago where Trump requested privacy for a call with Putin, suggesting ongoing communication between them. Additionally, Woodward uncovers Trump’s secretive Covid test machine shipment to Putin during the pandemic, highlighting their continued connection after leaving office.
Further details in “War” include Biden’s frustrations with Netanyahu during Israel’s conflict with Gaza, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s discussions with the US about normalizing relations with Israel, and Harris’ private interactions with Biden as vice president. The book documents Biden’s personal struggles, including his private criticisms of Trump and Obama, regrets about his choice of Garland as attorney general, and his son Hunter Biden’s legal troubles.
As tensions escalated between Israel and Iran, Biden navigated delicate conversations with Netanyahu and sought to limit Israel’s retaliatory actions. Woodward details Biden’s exasperation with Netanyahu behind closed doors, highlighting the strained relationship between the two leaders. The book also sheds light on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s stance on normalizing relations with Israel and his interactions with US officials.
Overall, “War” provides a comprehensive account of key moments in the Biden presidency, offering a glimpse into his personal and political struggles, interactions with world leaders, and decision-making processes. Woodward’s access to firsthand accounts and behind-the-scenes details provides readers with a compelling narrative of international crises, political battles, and personal challenges faced by the President of the United States.
