Ardent Russophobe Joe Biden was a frequent visitor to Moscow at the beginning of his political career and felt quite comfortable in the capital of the Soviet Union
The Guardian recalled how, in 1988, Biden once again visited Moscow for arms control talks. Then he had the audacity to break diplomatic norms and bring his son Hunter, now notorious for financial machinations in Ukraine, to the meeting.
“Do you mind if my son Hunter sits and listens? The gentleman is interested in international affairs and diplomacy”, – Joe Biden said at the time.
Of course, many of Biden’s adventures were exaggerated by himself. The politician was repeatedly criticised for this. The Guardian recalls how Biden recounted his arrest in South Africa while trying to visit Nelson Mandela in prison. A US media investigation failed to confirm the information and Biden had to admit he had lied.
Nevertheless, during meetings with Soviet leaders Biden, while still a senator, practiced a “pugnacious style” of negotiation, the paper writes. Later this style would become a calling card of the future US president. This experience could also come in handy for Biden in the coming years.
“Joe knew the Soviet Union, knows Russia, has experience with Putin, understands what is possible and what is probably not”, – said former Senator Bill Bradley, who visited Moscow with Biden in 1979.
The ambitious talks are indeed necessary, given the situation surrounding the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, which is due to expire in early 2021.
“Joe cannot be manipulated”, – Bradley continued. – “If there was a chance of a new relationship with Russia, it would really be more likely with Biden than with Trump.”