The Point: Biden's 'quiet' answer to a foreign policy test

View this email in your browser   May 21, 2021  | by Lauren Dezenski, Chris Cillizza and Sonnet Swire Biden's 'quiet' answer to a foreign policy test President Joe Biden's foreign policy doctrine came into sharper relief this week as tensions came to a boil between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.   In a phrase, it was "quiet and intensive diplomacy," or at least that's how White House press secretary Jen Psaki summarized it on Monday. Biden touted the tactic in a prime time address from the White House on Thursday announcing a ceasefire -- attempting to punctuate the first major foreign crisis of his presidency.    Not everyone at home was won over by Biden's "quiet" process, leading some Democrats to question Biden's commitment to human rights and demanding he do more to pressure Israel.   Regardless, such behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts were a far cry from the infighting, metaphorically speaking, happening on Capitol Hill.   Republicans essentially sent any hope of a January 6 commission into the shoals. Despite the bipartisan effort behind the bill's creation, Republican leaders came out against it -- virtually delivering the kiss of death.   After all, a commission focusing on the "Big Lie," conspiracy theories and culpability by some current members could have a negative impact on the midterms and GOP efforts to retake the House.   Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump is gearing up for a summertime swing through key states including Ohio and Florida. Summer -- and the start of midterm campaign season -- are almost here.   The Point: This week put Biden's foreign policy maneuvers to the test. He walked softly -- and dealt largely behind the scenes. Only time will tell if it sticks. -- Lauren QUOTE OF THE DAY "We have finally found the one thing that makes us all more attractive: a vaccination." -- White House senior Covid adviser Andy Slavitt outlined the administration's new partnership with a group of dating apps to promote vaccinations. THE WEEK IN 13 HEADLINES This week, President Joe Biden tested his decades-long relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Meanwhile, Republicans battled over whether to establish a bipartisan commission to investigate the January 6 insurrection.   Monday Biden 'expressed his support for a ceasefire' in call with Israeli Prime Minister, White House says Arizona GOP election official defends office against Trump voting conspiracy theory: 'We are humans, it has to stop.' Supreme Court takes up major abortion case next term that could limit Roe v. Wade Tuesday McCarthy's bid to quash January 6 commission underscores GOP split on Trump New York attorney general adds 'criminal capacity' to probe of Trump Organization Wednesday Here are the 35 House Republicans who voted for the January 6 commission US Capitol Police officer's letter blasts Republican opposition to January 6 commission Blinken and Lavrov hold first high-level meeting of Biden's presidency as US-Russia tensions simmer Thursday Biden, staring down first Mideast crisis, touts ceasefire Biden signs bill aimed at addressing rise in anti-Asian hate crimes Biden administration unable to continue $300 weekly pandemic unemployment benefits that GOP governors are slashing Friday Trump planning rallies in Ohio and Florida this summer More than 70 officers have left force since January 6, Capitol Police union says CHRIS' GOOD READS The Washington Post exposes (again) the grift that is at the heart of the Trump empire. And go back and read the New York Times' 2020 exposé on Trump's taxes. It's still incredible.   Harry Reid is ALL IN on the upcoming UFO report to Congress, as he explains in the New York Times.   The Ringer's Jonathan Tjarks writes poignantly about his recent cancer diagnosis. TIL: There are "Costco influencers." The entire Point posse is way excited for "In the Heights"! MUSICAL INTERLUDE Patrick Paige II is best known as part of the band The Internet. (Which is an amazing band name.). But, he also has a solo hip hop career. His 2nd album -- "If I Fail Are We Still Cool?" -- came out Friday and is very much worth a listen. FRIDAY'S BEST TWEETS 1. A really encouraging Covid-19 chart 2. A slightly less encouraging Covid-19 chart 3. Don't compare yourself to "Romeo & Juliet" 4. Monica Lewinsky, FTW. 5. Jacob deGrom is the truth A BIT OF ADVICE South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn (and the Palmetto State's "most powerful golf aficionado") offered some advice for the PGA Championship golfers taking on Kiawah Island's notorious Ocean Course this weekend:   "You have to play the winds," Clyburn told the Post and Courier. "And you have to hit your targets." ONE MAJOR AWARD Ralph Puckett Jr., a United States Army Ranger who led the defense against six Chinese assaults on a frozen hill in the Korean War 70 years ago, was presented with America's highest military award, the Medal of Honor, by President Joe Biden on Friday. A quick clarification: In Thursday's newsletter, we used the wrong photo to illustrate an item on Georgia's secretary of state race. You can see the correct photo here. You are receiving this message because you subscribed to CNN's The Point with Chris Cillizza newsletter. Unsubscribe from this list Check out other CNN Newsletters Create your CNN Account Share the Point Newsletter Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now to get The Point in your inbox.   Send your tips and thoughts via email to Chris Cillizza and Lauren Dezenski. You can follow Chris and Lauren on Twitter and connect with The Point on: Our mailing address is: One CNN Center Atlanta, GA 30303   Copyright © 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., All rights reserved.

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