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Phone Calls Play Key Role in Transatlantic Relations

Jamie Dettmer

   The anxieties of Britain's ruling Conservatives about how
   Anglo-American relations may unfold under a Biden administration were
   partly calmed midweek when President-elect Joe Biden chose to phone
   Prime Minister Boris Johnson ahead of conversations with France's
   Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Angela Merkel.

   "Special relationship maintained as Johnson is first on Joe Biden's
   call list," the Times of London proclaimed on its front page Wednesday.
   The two men spoke for around 25 minutes. Britain's newspapers -- and
   Downing Street officials privately -- appeared gleeful, too, that Biden
   phoned Johnson ahead of talking with Ireland's Micheal Martin.

   "The prime minister warmly congratulated Joe Biden on his election as
   president of the United States," a spokesman said. "They discussed the
   close and long-standing relationship between our countries and
   committed to building on this partnership in the years ahead, in areas
   such as trade and security, including through NATO."

   About-face

   Speaking in the House of Commons Wednesday, Johnson hailed his
   "refreshing" conversation with Biden, and in his enthusiasm misspoke,
   describing Donald Trump as the "previous president." Trump once
   described Johnson as "Britain Trump," lauding him for championing
   Brexit and embracing him as a kindred spirit.

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