President Joe Biden recently made the decision to abandon his reelection campaign, a move that left him alternately embittered and relieved. Sources close to him revealed that Biden was particularly unhappy with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, with whom he has not spoken since his decision to withdraw from the race. While Biden appreciated the warm embrace of Democrats following his decision, he has not forgotten those who appeared to be most active in pushing him aside.
Despite some regrets about how it unfolded, Biden is now focused on the future and is enlivened by the opportunity to burnish his legacy without running a challenging campaign against former President Donald Trump. He has expressed pride in Vice President Kamala Harris, endorsing her as his chosen successor and pledging to support her in the upcoming election.
Biden and Harris are set to make their first official joint appearance as lame duck president and Democratic nominee at an event focused on drug costs. The White House is now more deferential to the vice president's side, seeking more input from top Harris aides in decision-making processes.
Biden has pledged to help Harris win, viewing her success as integral to his own legacy. He has warned that a second Trump administration could undo some of his signature achievements. While Biden has not entirely let go of his past decisions, he is actively planning his agenda for the remaining months in office, focusing on continued legislation implementation and new policy initiatives.
Looking ahead, Biden is expected to engage in more limited domestic travel, support Harris's campaign efforts, and spend more time overseas to solidify his foreign policy legacy. Plans for high-level summits and trips are in the works, with potential destinations including Europe, India, Africa, and Brazil for the 2024 G20 Summit.
By keeping a lower profile and allowing Harris space in the early stages of her campaign, Biden is strategically positioning himself to support his former running mate while also focusing on his remaining time in office to leave a lasting impact.
