President Joe Biden is still coming to terms with stepping away from his reelection campaign over three weeks ago. Among those he is most disappointed with is former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whom he has not spoken to since making his decision to withdraw. Sources close to Biden stopped short of saying he holds a “grudge” but indicated that he’s unlikely to forget who was most involved in pushing him aside. Although Biden has received support from Democrats following his decision, he’s had mixed reactions, especially towards tributes from those who actively encouraged him to exit the race.
According to those familiar with Biden’s mindset, the president felt a blend of bitterness and relief as he processed the events leading to his decision. He ultimately believes stepping down was the right move but still harbors some regret. Despite this, a source clarified that Biden is not spending much time dwelling on the past.
The White House quickly dismissed any notion that Biden is focused on past frustrations, especially concerning Pelosi. According to a spokesperson, Biden’s focus remains on what lies ahead, not the past.
Although the 81-year-old president has some regrets, he’s now energized by the chance to enhance his legacy without enduring a difficult campaign against former President Donald Trump. Biden has made it clear that he holds no ill feelings toward Vice President Kamala Harris, who swiftly took over as the Democratic nominee. On the contrary, Biden has expressed pride in how Harris has stepped up and how the Democratic Party rallied behind her, a result made possible by his prompt endorsement of her as his successor.
During their first official joint appearance since the transition, Biden and Harris were highly complimentary of each other. Harris praised Biden, expressing gratitude for his leadership, while Biden confidently stated that Harris would make “one hell of a president.” Since his exit from the race, Biden has been instructing his team to support Harris’ campaign with the same dedication they showed during his own.
Biden’s team, which has always coordinated closely with Harris’ office, is now even more integrated. Harris’ chief of staff, Lorraine Voles, is more involved in strategy discussions, with her role becoming increasingly aligned with that of Biden’s staff. There’s now greater communication between both teams to ensure everyone is on the same page, a shift described as “overcommunication” to avoid any missteps.
Biden is also eager to help Harris during her campaign, especially in key battleground states like Pennsylvania. He plans to leverage his popularity with unions, seniors, and rural communities to bolster support for Harris. Sources close to Biden noted his appreciation for Harris’ loyalty, particularly during the difficult period when many Democrats were urging him to step aside. Harris’ refusal to engage in those conversations ultimately gave Biden the space to endorse her as his successor.
As Harris gears up for the general election, she’s refining her message, shifting away from Biden’s warnings about the threat posed by Trump and instead focusing on a more positive and hopeful vision. She is also working on releasing her own economic plan that balances her connection to Biden’s policies with the general dissatisfaction voters have expressed about his economic record.
For Biden, Harris’ success is vital to preserving his own legacy. The White House understands that Biden’s achievements are closely tied to Harris winning the election. Biden has stressed that a Trump victory could undo much of the progress he’s made during his term. Despite stepping back, Biden can’t help but wonder what might have been had he performed better during the pivotal CNN debate, which played a key role in his decision to withdraw.
While there were initial talks of Biden attending Harris’ convention speech next week, those plans didn’t move forward. Biden’s involvement in the campaign will become more apparent after Labor Day when joint events and fundraising efforts are expected to ramp up. According to a Biden adviser, the president will serve as a “validator, a foil, and a special guest,” providing Harris with support in areas where she may want to create some distance.
Biden’s transition to a less active role has allowed him to focus on his final months in office. Shortly after ending his campaign, he instructed his team to draft a plan for the remainder of his term. White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients shared that Biden is determined to finish strong, focusing on implementing legislation and exploring new policy initiatives.
The abrupt end to Biden’s campaign surprised many in the White House, leading to a shift in focus. Biden will now engage in more limited domestic travel and concentrate on international matters, where he hopes to solidify his foreign policy legacy. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan hinted at upcoming summits and trips designed to leave a lasting impact on global alliances, especially concerning NATO, Ukraine, and relations with countries like India and Africa.
For now, Biden’s schedule is lighter, reflecting his shift away from campaign duties. By staying out of the spotlight, he is also giving Harris the space to define her campaign and connect directly with voters. Biden has spent much of the past few weeks at his Delaware homes or Camp David, focusing on briefings and meetings, but he has remained engaged on key issues, including welcoming prisoners freed from Russia and attending events like the White House conference for digital creators.
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As Biden navigates his final months in office, he is determined to support Harris while leaving behind a robust legacy, both domestically and internationally.
