In recent weeks, former President Donald Trump's welcoming of foreign dignitaries has raised eyebrows among President Joe Biden's aides, who view it as an attempt by Trump to assume a presidential role. During a span of less than two months, Trump has hosted several prominent figures, including Polish President Andrzej Duda, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who previously served as the UK's prime minister. Trump has also engaged in phone conversations with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other leaders.

While it is not uncommon for a party nominee to hold meetings with foreign officials, usually taking place overseas and with leaders below the level of president or prime minister, Trump has displayed grandeur by hosting these encounters at his properties such as Mar-a-Lago and Trump Tower. This spectacle has caused frustration among some Biden aides, according to information provided by three individuals familiar with the matter.

Numerous interviews conducted with individuals knowledgeable about US foreign policy, as well as advisers from both the Biden and Trump campaigns, have revealed a complex power dynamics scenario. Both Biden and Trump are engaged in a struggle to establish who possesses more influence domestically and internationally, while foreign leaders seek to exert their influence on American policies, enhance their standing at home, and hedge their bets by establishing connections with both candidates.

Although the visits to Trump's properties may not have official significance, the political implications of these meetings are genuine and have presented a challenge for Biden's team. While some Biden allies acknowledge that Trump hearing from figures like Duda and Cameron, who advocated for the Ukraine aid bill that Biden recently signed, might be beneficial on the official front, they find the political aspect annoying, as Trump attempts to capitalize on these interactions.

On the flip side, Trump's allies appreciate the optics of his string of sit-downs. As Trump faces criminal charges in federal and state courts, these meetings with foreign officials, many of whom are far-right politicians, provide a sense of validation for the former president. Moreover, they may also influence voters to consider the possibility of a Trump comeback.

The recent Pew Research Center survey highlighted an intriguing dynamic among voters. Half of the respondents expressed a desire to see both Biden and Trump replaced on the ballot. However, when faced with the choice between the two candidates they wished weren't running, 62% of Biden voters expressed a preference for neither Biden nor Trump. This indicates a substantial number of voters who are reluctantly supporting Biden.

This presents an even greater challenge for Biden, who must win a second term while a near majority of the country wishes for an alternative. The mix of "double-hater" voters versus core supporters is more evenly balanced for Trump. Biden's task is to convince enough people that a second term under Trump is not worth the risk, regardless of any dissatisfaction they may have with Biden's first term.

Winning re-election with tepid support is a daunting feat, but not impossible. President Emmanuel Macron of France faced a similar situation and prevailed, although he was even more unpopular than Biden. The fear of a far-right government led by Marine Le Pen compelled France's discontented middle to reluctantly re-elect Macron.

However, apart from this recent example from France, it is challenging to find many instances where a candidate with such lukewarm support has emerged victorious. Trump holds an advantage with a more enthusiastic base of supporters for a second term compared to Biden. This advantage becomes significant in a lower-turnout election, which is a possibility given the country's lack of interest in this presidential rematch, as previously discussed.

In conclusion, despite popular sentiment favoring a new president, doubts may already be creeping in about Biden's ability to lead. However, both parties have failed to offer the country new candidates or alternatives. As the 2022 US midterm elections approach, it remains to be seen how Biden will navigate these challenges and convince voters that electing him for a second term is a better option than risking a return to the Trump era.