Biden Enhances His Legacy with Historic Prisoner Exchange
President Joe Biden declared last month that his top priority was securing the release of Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan from Russian imprisonment. On Thursday, after extensive behind-the-scenes negotiations and diplomatic maneuvering, he achieved this goal.
The historic swap of 24 prisoners between the U.S. and Russia marks the largest exchange since the Cold War and adds a significant accomplishment to Biden’s record, especially following his decision to withdraw from the presidential race less than two weeks ago. As his tenure in the White House nears its end, Biden has focused on foreign policy, an area where a president can still make substantial impact despite being out of the electoral spotlight. This focus is typically seen at the end of a second term, but Biden’s situation is unique.
A historical parallel can be drawn to President Lyndon B. Johnson, who also decided not to seek re-election due to mounting dissatisfaction over the Vietnam War. However, unlike Johnson, whose final months were overshadowed by conflict, Biden is celebrating a diplomatic victory. The families of the released Americans joined him at the White House on Thursday, offering a rare moment of triumph amid recent political turbulence.
Unresolved Issues in the Middle East
Biden’s tumultuous month, which began with a disastrous debate performance in late June, reached a peak last week with his Oval Office address announcing his withdrawal from the re-election campaign. Despite stepping down, Biden emphasized that his presidential duties were far from over, particularly in foreign policy.
He promised to bring detained Americans back home—a goal significantly advanced by Thursday’s prisoner swap. He also committed to continuing support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, with congressional funding secured for the next year. Additionally, he vowed to work towards ending the conflict in Gaza and achieving peace in the Middle East, though this remains a challenging objective.
Recent developments in the Middle East have been troubling. On Wednesday, Israel was reportedly behind the assassination of a prominent Hamas leader in Iran. Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have also escalated, with both sides exchanging attacks across the Israel-Lebanon border. The U.S. State Department has advised American citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon, reflecting growing fears of a broader regional conflict.
Biden’s extensive foreign policy experience, including his time as Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair and vice president under Barack Obama, has been a cornerstone of his political career. However, the Middle East remains a complex and volatile region, challenging even the most skilled diplomats.
A Legacy in the Making
While foreign policy successes could enhance Biden’s legacy, his historical standing and his reputation within the Democratic Party will largely depend on the success of his chosen successor. Vice President Kamala Harris, now the presumptive Democratic nominee, was instrumental in the intricate negotiations for the prisoner swap, according to senior administration officials. Her February meetings with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob at the Munich Security Conference were particularly pivotal.
Meanwhile, the Republican presidential ticket has sought to downplay the political gains from the swap. At a rally in Arizona, Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance attributed the exchange to fears of a potential Trump victory, claiming that global leaders are worried about Trump’s return and the end of their “free ride.” Former President Trump himself criticized Biden’s negotiating skills on social media, suggesting that the U.S. consistently fails at making favorable deals, especially in hostage negotiations.
The cost of securing the release of Gershkovich, Whelan, Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, and several Russian dissidents was indeed high, involving Russian intelligence agents convicted of assassination and espionage. However, Biden and his senior staff defended the deal as necessary and beneficial.
In his remarks on Thursday, Biden highlighted the importance of alliances, subtly contrasting his approach with Trump’s “America first” policy. “Today is a powerful example of why it’s vital to have friends in this world and friends you can trust, work with, and depend upon, especially on matters of great consequence and sensitivity like this,” he said. “Our alliances make our people safer.”
As Biden’s presidency approaches its conclusion, opportunities to enhance his legacy are becoming scarce. However, the successful prisoner exchange stands out as a significant achievement in his foreign policy record.
