Biden Reveals Plans for His Final Six Months in Office
The White House is considering a reduced timetable, focusing on major legacy achievements.
TroibNews 
In the weeks following the Democrats pushing Joe Biden from the presidential race, his aides are reconsidering his final months in office. They are planning a more targeted role for him on the campaign trail, with a sharper focus on key White House events that will shape his legacy.
White House and political aides have discussed deploying Biden occasionally to campaign for Vice President Kamala Harris, as recent polls indicate his approval rating has improved since his decision to step down.
According to three political aides who spoke on the condition of anonymity, Harris is seeking Biden's support in key areas where his influence remains strong, particularly among older white voters in states he carried in 2020, such as Pennsylvania and Michigan.
This strategy marks a significant shift from Biden's initial plans to travel extensively and campaign for a second term. Some Democrats have recently suggested that Biden would be better off staying in the White House to focus on governing.
“Joe Biden and America had a big win last week,” said a Democratic strategist involved in a Senate campaign, commenting on the return of prisoners from Russia. “He reminded voters of his compassion and steadfast leadership. More strong governing wins and less campaigning is probably the best thing he could do for the ticket.”
Another Democratic operative, speaking anonymously, was more direct: “It’s clear the party did not want Biden as the nominee. It’s very hard to see the Harris team wanting him out there on the trail.”
Biden is expected to make his first campaign appearance alongside the new Democratic nominee shortly after his speech at the Democratic convention, according to three officials. His campaign activities will be limited and strategically focused, likely including key states like Pennsylvania. He will aim to highlight his popular achievements, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and efforts to reduce prescription drug prices, to support the Harris ticket while enhancing his legacy.
Democratic pollster Cornell Belcher commented on Biden's future role: “He can really lean in with older, more blue-collar voters, particularly around issues like Social Security and retirement.” Belcher also suggested that Biden should emphasize his legacy in any joint appearances with Harris.
In the White House, aides are shifting from campaign mode to focusing on Biden’s legacy. The President plans to step back and allow Harris to take the spotlight, given that many Americans did not want him to run for a second term.
Since deciding to step aside, there has been a reshuffle within the White House, with aides determining whether to remain or join the Harris campaign. Those who stay are drafting memos for Biden on how to approach his final months, including suggested domestic policies and communication strategies.
On a recent call with approximately 2,000 appointees, chief of staff Jeff Zients and other senior officials discussed what the remaining months of Biden’s term will look like. It was noted that Biden will engage more in foreign and domestic events now that he is no longer a candidate. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra also mentioned an upcoming announcement about reduced prescription drug costs.
Biden's public appearances will become less frequent but more impactful, focusing on substantive accomplishments. Recent examples include his call for Supreme Court policy changes and the announcement of a historic prisoner swap with Russia.
Key events will continue to mix policy highlights with significant career milestones. Suggestions include creating a national monument in Maine for Frances Perkins and participating in events like Pittsburgh’s Labor Day parade to show support for workers.
“If I were them, I would just park his ass in Pennsylvania and move on,” said a veteran Democratic operative, stressing the importance of focusing on key states.
Polls indicate a growing approval for Biden since he decided to step down, with a recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll showing 46 percent approval. The majority of Americans, including 87 percent in a New York Times/Siena College poll, support his decision to be a one-term president.
Plans for the first joint Harris-Biden campaign event are underway, though the details are not yet finalized. This event will mark a significant shift in their relationship, with Biden taking a supporting role.
“President Biden remains focused on delivering results for the American people while also working hard to build support for Vice President Harris and Governor Walz,” said TJ Ducklo, the president’s spokesperson. “He looks forward to joining them on the trail soon."
For the fall, Biden will likely limit his presence in battleground states where he is less popular, concentrating instead on areas where he has stronger support. He will also participate in fundraisers and be available for down-ballot campaigning, while primarily focusing on governing and highlighting the administration's achievements.
Biden’s campaign appearances will be strategically limited to avoid overshadowing Harris and to emphasize the administration's accomplishments. Republican strategist Alex Conant remarked on the potential challenges: “Democrats want the race to be about Harris and Trump, not four more years of Biden.”
Adam Cancryn and Eugene Daniels contributed to this report.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
White House and political aides have discussed deploying Biden occasionally to campaign for Vice President Kamala Harris, as recent polls indicate his approval rating has improved since his decision to step down.
According to three political aides who spoke on the condition of anonymity, Harris is seeking Biden's support in key areas where his influence remains strong, particularly among older white voters in states he carried in 2020, such as Pennsylvania and Michigan.
This strategy marks a significant shift from Biden's initial plans to travel extensively and campaign for a second term. Some Democrats have recently suggested that Biden would be better off staying in the White House to focus on governing.
“Joe Biden and America had a big win last week,” said a Democratic strategist involved in a Senate campaign, commenting on the return of prisoners from Russia. “He reminded voters of his compassion and steadfast leadership. More strong governing wins and less campaigning is probably the best thing he could do for the ticket.”
Another Democratic operative, speaking anonymously, was more direct: “It’s clear the party did not want Biden as the nominee. It’s very hard to see the Harris team wanting him out there on the trail.”
Biden is expected to make his first campaign appearance alongside the new Democratic nominee shortly after his speech at the Democratic convention, according to three officials. His campaign activities will be limited and strategically focused, likely including key states like Pennsylvania. He will aim to highlight his popular achievements, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and efforts to reduce prescription drug prices, to support the Harris ticket while enhancing his legacy.
Democratic pollster Cornell Belcher commented on Biden's future role: “He can really lean in with older, more blue-collar voters, particularly around issues like Social Security and retirement.” Belcher also suggested that Biden should emphasize his legacy in any joint appearances with Harris.
In the White House, aides are shifting from campaign mode to focusing on Biden’s legacy. The President plans to step back and allow Harris to take the spotlight, given that many Americans did not want him to run for a second term.
Since deciding to step aside, there has been a reshuffle within the White House, with aides determining whether to remain or join the Harris campaign. Those who stay are drafting memos for Biden on how to approach his final months, including suggested domestic policies and communication strategies.
On a recent call with approximately 2,000 appointees, chief of staff Jeff Zients and other senior officials discussed what the remaining months of Biden’s term will look like. It was noted that Biden will engage more in foreign and domestic events now that he is no longer a candidate. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra also mentioned an upcoming announcement about reduced prescription drug costs.
Biden's public appearances will become less frequent but more impactful, focusing on substantive accomplishments. Recent examples include his call for Supreme Court policy changes and the announcement of a historic prisoner swap with Russia.
Key events will continue to mix policy highlights with significant career milestones. Suggestions include creating a national monument in Maine for Frances Perkins and participating in events like Pittsburgh’s Labor Day parade to show support for workers.
“If I were them, I would just park his ass in Pennsylvania and move on,” said a veteran Democratic operative, stressing the importance of focusing on key states.
Polls indicate a growing approval for Biden since he decided to step down, with a recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll showing 46 percent approval. The majority of Americans, including 87 percent in a New York Times/Siena College poll, support his decision to be a one-term president.
Plans for the first joint Harris-Biden campaign event are underway, though the details are not yet finalized. This event will mark a significant shift in their relationship, with Biden taking a supporting role.
“President Biden remains focused on delivering results for the American people while also working hard to build support for Vice President Harris and Governor Walz,” said TJ Ducklo, the president’s spokesperson. “He looks forward to joining them on the trail soon."
For the fall, Biden will likely limit his presence in battleground states where he is less popular, concentrating instead on areas where he has stronger support. He will also participate in fundraisers and be available for down-ballot campaigning, while primarily focusing on governing and highlighting the administration's achievements.
Biden’s campaign appearances will be strategically limited to avoid overshadowing Harris and to emphasize the administration's accomplishments. Republican strategist Alex Conant remarked on the potential challenges: “Democrats want the race to be about Harris and Trump, not four more years of Biden.”
Adam Cancryn and Eugene Daniels contributed to this report.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
