Biden talks Putin, Afghanistan and taxes
President sees potential for bipartisan efforts
President Joe Biden discussed foreign policy and the potential for bipartisanship in Washington during one of his first major sit-down interviews, with ABC News’ George Stephanopolous.
The president’s answers gave insight into the administration’s emerging foreign policy, as well as the White House’s strategy for passing its policy agenda through a sharply divided Congress.
On Russia’s Vladimir Putin
A declassified document released Tuesday found that Russia and Iran tried to influence the 2020 elections in the United States through campaigns that employed disinformation and other clandestine operations.
Biden was unequivocal about a response to the election interference: “He will pay a price,” the president warned, referring to Putin.
“We had a long talk, he and I, when we – I know him relatively well. And the conversation started off, I said: ‘I know you and you know me. If I establish this occurred, then be prepared.’ ”
When asked by Stephanopolous whether he thought Putin was a “killer,” Biden concurred, saying “Mhmm, I think I do.”
On vaccine skepticism
Biden also expressed frustration at the persistence of partisan fights over pandemic safety measures, which have now extended to the vaccine.
“I honest to God thought that, once we guaranteed we had enough vaccine for everybody, things would start to calm down,” Biden said.
“Well, they have calmed down a great deal. But I don’t quite understand – you know – I just don’t understand this sort of macho thing about: ‘I’m not gonna get the vaccine. I have a right as an American, my freedom to not do it.’ Well, why don’t you be a patriot? Protect other people.”
On Afghanistan withdrawal
With a May 1 deadline for the U.S. to withdraw troops from Afghanistan approaching, Biden acknowledged that a full drawdown may be difficult to meet.
“I’m in the process of making that decision now as to when they’ll leave,” he said. “The fact is, that was not a very solidly negotiated deal that the president, the former president, worked out.”
The May 1 withdrawal date was negotiated by the Trump administration in February 2020 as part of a larger peace deal between the Afghan government and the Taliban. Peace between the government and Taliban has been tenuous, however, with threats of violence and instability pressuring the U.S. to remain in the country.
On taxes, bipartisanship
Biden reemphasized his position from his presidential campaign that he does not intend to raise taxes on anyone making less than $400,000 a year.
“Anybody making more than $400,000 will see a small to a significant tax increase,” Biden said, reiterating his stance that wealthy Americans should pay more. “You make less than $400,000, you won’t see one single penny in additional federal tax.”
When pressed about the possibility of bringing about an “epiphany” for Republicans on Capitol Hill on bipartisan dealmaking, Biden exclaimed: “I’ve only been here six weeks, pal! OK, give me a break.”
The president argued cooperation with Republicans was still possible but did acknowledge it wasn’t a guarantee.
“Oh, I may not get it,” Biden readily said about GOP support for a tax package.
“But I’ll get the Democratic votes for the tax increase.”