Biden Is Ceding Presidential Influence to Trump, and Some Democrats Are Furious

[karynnj]

74. As to not making the case re nominees, this may make sense

This is not something that depends on the majority of the country being against them. He needs 50 votes in the Senate. Than means if all Democrats are against, we need 4 Republicans.

If it is seen that the opposition is led by Democrats or liberal media, as they call it, it might be harder for 4 to oppose.

As to Syria, I suspect US intelligence did not see this coming. What is true is that part of the reason was Assad was supported by both Russia and Iran. The Biden led support of Ukraine and opposition to Iranian attacks on Israel was very likely a key factor. However, there is still a lot not yet known as to what happens to Syria. Remember that though they might have moderated, the rebels used to be Al Nusra, which was allied to AQ. This is why Biden spoke of us not supporting either side.

Trump, on the other hand, has spouted word salad, blaming Obama not attacking when the red line was crossed. Ignoring that his strategic attack, similar to what Obama threatened, did very little, but the Obama administration diplomacy with Russia and Syria led to huge stockpiles of chemical weapons being taken and destroyed. He also claimed Russia entered then to help, but Russia had a base there from 1971 and they were part of the problem.

On Ukraine, it is not surprising they want to speak to Trump. It is in their interest to do so and I assume they will keep Biden in the loop.