Bidens hosting Macrons for state dinner, a storied tradition

President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden Thursday night are hosting a state dinner for French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, continuing a tradition of elaborate state dinners for select foreign dignitaries. The state dinner with America’s oldest ally is the first state dinner of the Biden presidency. Asked why he picked France first, Mr. Biden said it’s because he and Macron are friends. The two world leaders repeatedly emphasized Thursday the importance of that U.S.-France partnership on the national stage, as they work to defend democracy and freedom. In a preview of the dinner earlier…