Joe Biden used Thursday’s first state visit as a presidential candidate to show unity with France’s Emmanuel Macron regarding Ukraine, to openly speak to Vladimir Putin about Russia and to calm European anger at U.S. subsidy.

In honor of President Macron’s wife Brigitte, Jill Biden, the U.S. president, and first lady, hosted a lavish, star-studded White House State Dinner. It featured music by Jon Batiste, Chardonnay from Napa Valley, and food from Jill Biden.

The leaders remained focused on Ukraine as the greatest attack on an European state since 1945. They pledged to support Kyiv through the difficult winter months and continue strong support.

Since February’s invasion, Biden has resisted speaking to Putin. Macron has maintained open lines of communication. Russia describes the war as a “special operation.”

Biden said, “Let’s me choose my words very carefully,” during a press conference with Macron. “I am open to speaking with Mr. Putin, if he decides he wants to end the war. He hasn’t done that yet.”

Macron said that he would talk to Putin to continue “trying to prevent escalation” and to get “some very concrete results”, such as safety of nuclear power plants.

In Oval Office talks, the leaders sought to reduce economic tensions.

Biden promised Macron that he would make changes to U.S. legislation this year that European countries fear will hurt their economies.

Biden stated that bills aimed at increasing U.S. renewable energy production and the semiconductor industry have “glitches,” which can be fixed.

Macron raised concerns in France and Europe about Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, (IRA), a $430 billion new bill that provides massive subsidies for U.S. products. It is aimed to address the climate crisis and promote renewable energy.

One participant said that Macron claimed the act was “super aggressive” towards European companies at a meeting with U.S lawmakers on Wednesday. This was under condition of anonymity.

France did not come to seek an exception for its economy. He said that he came to discuss the impact of this regulation on him and his colleagues.

European leaders claim that the August legislative package signed in August by Biden is unfair to companies not American and would cause serious damage to their economies while Europe deals with the fallout of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Biden said that there are some tweaks that could make it easier for European countries, and that Macron and he had long discussions about the subject.

Macron stated that it was crucial for the United States to “resynchronize” its approaches with Europe’s allies.

According to a French finance ministry source, leaders made “major advances” in reducing the impact. Biden could issue executive orders to grant European allies the same exemptions as countries with free trade deals to local content.

In a joint statement, the leaders of Ukraine and Russia stated that they would hold Russia accountable for “widely documented atrocities, war crimes, both committed by its regular army forces and its proxies”. Russia denies war crimes.

They also pledged to share their concerns about China’s “disruption of the rules-based international system, including respect for human right and cooperation with China on important global issues such as climate change.”

KISSES AND LOBSTER

Macron visited Washington Tuesday, his second visit to the United States after he assumed office as French leader in 2017.

Biden, aged 80, and Macron (44), have met at many international gatherings, but this was their longest-ever time together.

On Thursday night, 200 Maine lobsters were flown in to celebrate the state dinner.

The White House South Lawn pavilion hosted the event. Among the guests were Christian Louboutin (French fashion designer), who was also the star of “Sex and the City” and Julia Louis-Dreyfus (American actress), John Legend, singer and coach on “The Voice”. Continue reading

Biden spoke as the guests swirled their champagne flutes and said, “Tonight, we celebrate the enduring alliance among France and the United States.” “Vive la France, God bless America!”

Macron said that both countries are based on the same values of “we, people”.

They dined informally together at a restaurant Wednesday with their wives. On Wednesday, the two leaders took part in an South Lawn ceremony. It featured a military honor band, a red-jacketed colonial orchestra with the Fife and Drum Corps, and national anthems.

Macron also brought a CD and vinyl version of Claude Lelouch’s 1966 film “Un Homme et une Femme,” which the Bidens saw on their first date.

Macron was presented by the Bidens with a custom-made mirror, made from fallen wood on White House grounds, and a collection of vinyl records of great American musicians.

Macron will visit New Orleans on Friday. The city was once controlled and maintained cultural links with France. He will meet the governor of Louisiana and sign a memorandum d’accord on climate change.