Bob Woodward’s upcoming book titled "War" is poised to provide an unfiltered look into U.S. President Joe Biden’s frank and unvarnished discussions about global leaders, particularly Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Set for release on October 15, the book is said to offer insights into the inner workings of Biden’s administration, focusing on the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Within its pages, excerpts reveal Biden’s strikingly candid and often profane language when discussing those in power, raising questions about his diplomatic style and the authenticity of public narratives regarding U.S. foreign policy.
The book reveals a stark contrast between Biden’s public endorsement of Israel and the private frustrations expressed during phone calls with Netanyahu, especially in the wake of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Woodward reports that Biden has challenged Netanyahu’s approach, accusing him of lacking a coherent strategy and warning that Israel’s actions are increasingly leading it to be perceived as a “rogue state.” This private criticism starkly contrasts with the official narrative from the White House, which underscores the supposed productivity and cordiality of their communications. Biden’s concerns about Netanyahu’s leadership even extend to questioning why there hasn’t been stronger domestic opposition to his tenure, expressing disbelief that a significant political uprising hasn’t occurred.
The language Biden reportedly uses is particularly striking. In candid discussions, he goes so far as to label Netanyahu with profane terms, describing him as “that son of a bitch,” “a bad fking guy,” and “a fking liar.” This unfiltered perspective not only conveys Biden’s frustrations but suggests a deep-seated skepticism regarding the Israeli leader’s priorities. Furthermore, Biden’s remarks about Netanyahu, grounded in a perception of self-interest over international mandates, highlight a schism between public endorsements of allies and private sentiments that may paint a more complex picture of diplomatic relations.
Biden’s sharp rhetoric extends beyond just Netanyahu. Woodward documents the president’s candid assessments of various political figures, including former President Donald Trump, whom he refers to as “that f**king asshole.” This use of coarse language underscores Biden’s belief in candidness over diplomacy in private settings, painting the picture of a president who prioritizes honesty with his inner circle, even at the cost of decorum expected from a global leader. In discussing past administrations, particularly that of Barack Obama, Biden has criticized Obama’s handling of relations with Russia, blaming it for current issues by stating, “Barack never took Putin seriously.”
The president’s direct approach extends to his view of Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he labels as “that f**king Putin” and calls "the epitome of evil.” Such unguarded language is notably provocative, given that it diverges from standard diplomatic discourse and raises concerns about its implications for U.S.-Russia relations. The contrast between Biden’s public admonishments and private acknowledgments reveals a duality in contemporary US leadership that emphasizes the often chaotic and emotionally charged nature of international politics in a volatile global landscape.
In response to Woodward’s revelations, White House officials maintain that Biden and Netanyahu share a "very honest and direct relationship." White House Senior Deputy Press Secretary Emilie Simons refrained from commenting on specific anecdotes, choosing instead to reaffirm the United States’ unwavering commitment to Israel as a key ally. This statement, however, underscores the tension between the intimate observations shared within Woodward’s book and the polished public rhetoric that surrounds diplomatic engagements. Ultimately, "War" promises to expose the stark realities of international relations while challenging readers to reconsider the complexities of leadership and the narratives constructed around global diplomacy.
