Joe Biden Says World Leaders Still Call Him for Advice: What It Really Means Behind the Scenes
Despite facing relentless scrutiny over his age, energy levels, and leadership capacity in recent months, President Joe Biden made a striking claim during a recent sit-down interview: world leaders are still calling him for advice. The comment, which came during a televised Q&A with reporters in Washington, D.C., has triggered both admiration and debate across the political spectrum.
So what did he really mean? Who’s calling him—and why?
The Statement That Sparked Attention
During the interview, Biden was asked directly about concerns regarding his physical and cognitive health, especially after his less-than-stellar debate performance. Calmly but firmly, he responded:
“I know what I’m doing. World leaders still call me for advice. They trust me. They know who I am and where I stand.”
To his supporters, it was a moment of reassurance. To his critics, it raised new questions. But to political analysts, it revealed something deeper about Biden’s role on the global stage—even as he nears the end of his first term.
A Lifetime of Foreign Policy Ties
Biden’s claim isn’t entirely out of the blue. With over five decades of political experience, including eight years as vice president under Barack Obama and long tenure as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Biden has formed long-standing relationships with leaders around the world.
From NATO allies in Europe to key figures in Asia and the Middle East, Biden has been part of major international negotiations, military alliances, and peace-building efforts. He was involved in the decisions behind the Iran nuclear deal, the withdrawal from Iraq, and countless high-stakes summits.
So Who’s Calling?
While Biden didn’t name names, sources close to the administration have hinted that leaders from France, Germany, the UK, and Japan regularly engage with Biden—either directly or through high-level diplomatic channels.
According to a senior White House official:
“President Biden remains a key voice in transatlantic dialogue, especially on Ukraine, NATO expansion, and climate commitments. When crises erupt, he’s one of the first people world leaders turn to—not just for America’s position, but for strategic guidance.”
During the height of the Ukraine-Russia war, for example, Biden coordinated dozens of international calls and virtual meetings to unify support for President Zelenskyy. During the Israel-Hamas conflict, Biden reportedly spoke multiple times with both Prime Minister Netanyahu and Arab leaders to prevent the escalation into a regional war.
Global Trust Amid Domestic Doubts
Interestingly, Biden’s international reputation often appears stronger than his standing at home. While approval ratings among Americans have dipped at times, international polls—including those by Pew Research and the Economist—have shown relatively strong trust in his leadership from global allies.
Leaders such as Emmanuel Macron, Justin Trudeau, and Olaf Scholz have publicly praised Biden for “restoring America’s global credibility” after years of uncertainty during the Trump administration.
In the aftermath of Trump’s “America First” doctrine, Biden’s foreign policy has centered on rebuilding partnerships, supporting NATO, rejoining global agreements like the Paris Climate Accord, and presenting a unified front against autocratic threats.
Critics Push Back
Of course, not everyone buys into the narrative. Conservative commentators and political rivals were quick to mock Biden’s statement, with some suggesting it was more fantasy than fact.
Senator Josh Hawley tweeted:
“Joe Biden thinks world leaders are calling him for advice? They’re probably calling to figure out who’s really running the show.”
Fox News hosts joked that perhaps leaders were calling Biden “to make sure he’s still awake.”
The criticism taps into a broader narrative that’s become central to the 2024 election season—questions about Biden’s mental fitness, age, and stamina. At 81 years old, he is the oldest sitting U.S. president in history. And with every fumble or stutter, clips quickly go viral, feeding political attacks.
Still, Biden’s supporters argue that behind closed doors, he remains sharp, engaged, and respected.
The Weight of Experience
One thing is undeniable: Biden has seen more political history unfold firsthand than almost any other living American politician. He’s worked with (and against) leaders ranging from Gorbachev to Xi Jinping. He has sat across the table from Vladimir Putin and spoken at Davos, the United Nations, and G7 summits.
This institutional memory gives Biden a perspective that few others possess.
Former Secretary of State John Kerry commented:
“There are only a handful of people in the world who understand the stakes, the personalities, the power plays the way Joe does. When Merkel or Macron pick up the phone, they’re not just calling the President of the United States—they’re calling Joe Biden, the man they’ve known for 30 years.”
Biden’s Role in Today’s Conflicts
Despite political turbulence, Biden has played a key role in several ongoing global matters:
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Ukraine War: Biden has been instrumental in leading NATO unity, approving billions in military aid and rallying European support.
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Middle East Stability: He’s juggled a careful balance between supporting Israel and pressuring for humanitarian ceasefires in Gaza.
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China Relations: Biden has kept the lines of communication open while being tough on trade, intellectual property theft, and Taiwan’s independence.
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Climate Diplomacy: He recommitted the U.S. to climate targets and helped negotiate key parts of the COP26 and COP28 summits.
These are not minor achievements—and they point to a leader who, at least diplomatically, continues to hold significant weight.
Symbolism and Strategy
Biden’s remark about leaders calling for advice may be more than just a factual assertion—it’s a strategic message. At a time when Americans are questioning whether he should run for a second term, Biden is reminding voters of one thing: Experience matters.
It’s a contrast to the chaos and unpredictability some associate with the Trump years. Biden wants Americans to remember that even if his gait is slower or his words sometimes slurred, the world still listens when he speaks.
A Reminder of the Stakes
Whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican, the fact that world leaders are still calling an American president for advice should be a source of national pride. It speaks to the unique and powerful role the U.S. continues to play in shaping the global order.
But it also raises a question as 2024 looms closer: Is the world calling Joe Biden because he is still the trusted statesman they’ve long relied on—or because they’re worried about what might come next?
