The specter of President Joe Biden snubbing a US Marine on guard duty at Marine One as he departed the United Kingdom for the NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, has caused an uproar, crystallizing perceived errors in diplomatic decorum while on an essential foreign tour. Adding to the furore, Biden had earlier embarrassed himself during a visit to Windsor Castle, with several violations of protocol that seemed to irk not just the British populace, but also the monarch, King Charles III.
In London, Biden exits Marine One and stops to give what appears to be a challenge coin to one of the two Marines standing guard — then completely ignores the second Marine and walks away. pic.twitter.com/ZzcrNxvg64
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 10, 2023
While the NATO Summit in Vilnius was intended to solidify strategies and foster stronger alliances, the focal point has regrettably become President Biden’s faux pas – interactions which paint a far from ideal picture of the Commander in Chief on the international stage.
In London, where the events preceding the Vilnius trip unfolded, Biden was seen exiting Marine One and conspicuously stopping to greet one of the Marines standing guard. He appeared to hand over a ‘challenge coin’. However, the President then completely ignored the other Marine on duty and nonchalantly walked away. This incident was flagged by the RNC Research in a tweet, posted along with the footage, reiterating the glaring snub. Thus began the start of another ripple in a turbulent transatlantic trip.
Indeed, the rumblings started at Windsor Castle, where Biden managed to violate protocol several times, creating quite a stir among the British public. The incidents have raised many eyebrows, and even drew the noticeable ire of King Charles III. The King, known for his immaculate manners, was visibly irked – a significant diplomatic blow by any yardstick.
The footage of Biden’s slight was disseminated by additional sources – including Bloomberg – adding to the credibility and reach of the incident. This has not only given these controversies more mileage but also allowed critics to scrutinize the president’s conduct closely.
This story is a stark reminder that in the realm of international politics, meticulous adherence to protocol isn’t a mere formality but a requisite for maintaining decorum and relationships. In this incident, we see that even a minor misstep can snowball into a major controversy, marring the very purpose of diplomatic endeavours. A snub, intentional or otherwise, can have far-reaching impacts on the perception of a nation’s leader, right when unity and strength should be the rhetoric.
Therefore, as the details of these incidents continue to emerge, President Biden’s conduct is under intense scrutiny. As the shock of these events continues to reverberate, the narrative has swiftly pivoted toward the president’s ability to mind diplomatic protocol – an aspect of statesmanship often taken for granted but vitally important in the international stage.
In conclusion, President Biden’s actions, particularly his apparent snubbing of a US Marine and his clumsy handling of protocol during his visit to King Charles III, have become emblematic of his recent foreign tour. These instances serve as a stark reminder of the careful choreography required in managing diplomatic relations. The world will no doubt watch keenly how these events influence future interactions and the overall conversation about decorum in the halls of power. Ultimately, the care and respect toward each other – be it a king or a marine – play a more significant role than one might initially perceive in the grand theater of diplomacy.
