In his recent five-day visit to France, President Joe Biden refrained from directly mentioning former President Donald Trump's name. However, Trump's shadow loomed large throughout Biden's remarks, as he implicitly criticized his Republican rival's quasi-isolationist foreign policy stance. Biden's trip culminated in a visit to the Aisne-Marne American cemetery, a military burial ground rich in political symbolism.

Located about an hour from Paris, the cemetery is the final resting place for 2,289 Americans who lost their lives in World War I. Interestingly, Trump had skipped this cemetery during his visit to France six years ago, with weather conditions being cited as the reason. However, former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly later confirmed reports that Trump referred to the war dead as "losers" and had no desire to pay his respects at the burial ground.

Biden's choice to visit this particular cemetery was motivated by the exceptional number of Marines who perished there in World War I. Nonetheless, the visit also presented a political opportunity for Biden's campaign, as it drew attention to Trump's absence in 2018. Biden emphasized the importance of alliances in his trip, highlighting their role in past victories and their significance in countering autocratic leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"The best way to avoid future battles is to stay strong with our allies. Do not break," Biden proclaimed at the cemetery, underscoring his belief in collaboration and the power of alliances. This stands in contrast to Trump's approach, where he criticized long-standing allies for insufficient defense contributions and considered withdrawing from the NATO alliance during his tenure.

Biden's visit to France, centered around honoring fallen soldiers and celebrating America's network of alliances, exemplified his foreign policy vision, which contrasts with Trump's more nationalist perspective. The upcoming election may serve as a referendum on which approach resonates with voters.

While the trip went relatively smoothly for the president, there was a minor glitch during the D-Day invasion anniversary ceremony, with a delay attributed to French President Emmanuel Macron's late arrival. Amid concerns about Biden's age, the trip also provided fortuitous photo opportunities, showcasing the president alongside WWII veterans who were old enough to be his father.

The conclusion of his trip to France marks the start of another journey for Biden, as he prepares to attend the Group of Seven (G7) summit meeting in southern Italy later this week.