- Striving Through Challenges for Joe Biden
Joe Biden hugs his daughter Ashley tightly following her speech, maintaining the embrace for several moments. Subsequently, the U.S. President removes a tear from his eye using a handkerchief and makes his way to the podium. At the podium, the 81-year-old places his hand over his heart as thousands of delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago applaud. They chant, "Thank you, Joe," and later, "We love Joe."
Despite this scene, it was this very party that pushed for Biden to step down from his campaign due to age and mental fitness concerns. Prominent Democrats who advocated for Biden's exit are now in the hall, applauding him for yielding his place to the next generation in a show of greatness. This misrepresents the truth. Biden resisted the party's pressure for a considerable time. The tension surrounding his departure was nothing short of undignified.
At their convention in Chicago, focusing on new presidential candidate Kamala Harris, the party aims to divert attention from this. However, for the following months, Biden will find himself in an unusual and ungrateful position - both in the campaign and in the White House.
His (Limited) Role in the Campaign
Following his powerful speech at the convention, Biden takes a prolonged break and travels from Chicago to California. The remainder of the week sees no public appearances from him. The extended absence of Biden during the convention sends a clear message. Since withdrawing from the race in July, Biden has only appeared with Harris at one campaign rally. In fact, he has been maintaining a low profile.
It appears that the Democrats' strategy is to minimize Biden's public appearances to prevent any further embarrassing gaffes that could negatively impact Harris' campaign. In Chicago, Biden jokingly mentions he will serve as the best volunteer campaign worker Harris and her running mate Tim Walz have ever seen. However, a significant role in her campaign for Biden is not imminent.
For Harris, their shared past in office poses challenges in certain areas, such as immigration. She is also navigating her new role as number one, having spent years in Biden's shadow. As a result, she is likely to keep some distance from her president in the campaign. After the turbulent weeks leading up to Biden's exit, the Democrats are also aiming to display unity. This is what Biden's appearance in Chicago represents, as he praises Harris as strong, experienced, and of unquestionable character and integrity.
His Role as President
Biden remains president until January, but he is now considered a "lame duck" - one who reaches the end of their term and consequently loses much power and influence. "I have five more months in my presidency," Biden says in Chicago. "I have a lot to accomplish." And he is determined to complete all of it.
However, this is not straightforward. Attention now shifts to Harris and the campaign. Democrats in Congress are primarily focused on retaining their seats in the election. International partners are more inclined to consider their interactions with a future U.S. government rather than undertaking major initiatives with the outgoing president.
This applies not only to Harris, but also to the Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who has already received visits from several international leaders.
Biden may still attempt to shape his political legacy in the remaining months. He managed to enter the White House on his third attempt - as the oldest U.S. president in history. Perhaps the challenges he faced to get there make it harder for him to relinquish control.
Despite the party's efforts to minimize Biden's public appearances to avoid potential gaffes, his jest about serving as the best volunteer during Harris' campaign suggests a desire to support her, albeit not in a significant role. As the President, Biden acknowledges his remaining five months in office, striving to accomplish his remaining agendas despite losing influence as a "lame duck."
