 using the global stage to try to show allies at home and abroad that he can still lead. The 81-year-old Biden has endured 12 days of close examination about his fitness for office, including from fellow Democrats. As some campaign donors fear, his disastrous debate performance late last month will cost him the November election. He read from a teleprompter yesterday with no verbal gaffes. Putin wants nothing less, nothing less than Ukraine's total subjugation.