Read on Twitter
There is inevitably a smidgeon of ‘on one hand/on other hand’ in 
official comment on 
election. Diplomats can’t pick a side, at least in public.
But just in case this leaves any uncertainty, it is beyond a shadow of doubt that we need Trump to lose, ideally ‘bigly’. 1/ https://twitter.com/tfletcher/status/1322256087895183361
official comment on election. Diplomats can’t pick a side, at least in public. But just in case this leaves any uncertainty, it is beyond a shadow of doubt that we need Trump to lose, ideally ‘bigly’. 1/ https://twitter.com/tfletcher/status/1322256087895183361
Why Biden in interests? Climate sanity, revival of orphaned international order, rejection of Trump's views on gender/race (which would get him fired from any UK cabinet), end of gameshow diplomacy in Middle East/DPRK etc, more collaborative tone/approach (eg NATO). Etc. 2/
interests? Climate sanity, revival of orphaned international order, rejection of Trump's views on gender/race (which would get him fired from any UK cabinet), end of gameshow diplomacy in Middle East/DPRK etc, more collaborative tone/approach (eg NATO). Etc. 2/
True it won’t all be easy for /Biden.
Trade deal low down his to-do list (ditto Trump of course), US will be self absorbed by C19 and post Trump reconstruction and nation therapy (even if he goes quietly), won’t be activist Presidency.
/Biden. Trade deal low down his to-do list (ditto Trump of course), US will be self absorbed by C19 and post Trump reconstruction and nation therapy (even if he goes quietly), won’t be activist Presidency.
And Biden will lean most heavily on leaders he has experienced, who clearly share his outlook, and - important - carry international credibility and heft. US Presidents like European allies who help get things done, without fanfare. Merkel and Macron are well placed. 4/
I was in No 10 for TB/Bush, GB/Bush, GB/Obama, DC/Obama. Moments of transition are always inevitably anxious. They will hope for an early phone call (before 
?); invitation (even if C19 delays taking it up); and issue of substance for some unflashy, joint heft (climate?).
?); invitation (even if C19 delays taking it up); and issue of substance for some unflashy, joint heft (climate?).
Good news for HMG: Biden worked well with us as VP; he genuinely gets how important the security/defence/intel relationship is (unlike Obama when he started); COP26 a chance show some seriousness; HMQ; Biden's foreign policy advisers are familiar faces to diplomats. 6/
diplomats. 6/
So, good to: avoid overdoing sense that relationship teeters between triumph/disaster; patiently build load bearing relationships (CoS, NSA, ambos) and dossiers (eg climate); be reliable, consistent, effective; invest in wider relationships that make us more useful. 7/
relationship teeters between triumph/disaster; patiently build load bearing relationships (CoS, NSA, ambos) and dossiers (eg climate); be reliable, consistent, effective; invest in wider relationships that make us more useful. 7/
Also important to build trust and dialogue with @SenKamalaHarris, especially as she has no direct UK counterpart.
But for now, all fingers crossed. And very wide berth for the dangerous, toxic, narcissistic vandal currently in the White House.
To put it diplomatically. (8/8)
But for now, all fingers crossed. And very wide berth for the dangerous, toxic, narcissistic vandal currently in the White House.
To put it diplomatically. (8/8)
