Joe Biden Ends Campaign in Scranton, Far from the Race He Originally Imagined
As Kamala Harris embarks on her final push, the president remains anchored at home.
TroibNews 
SCRANTON, Pennsylvania — For Joe Biden, this chapter is closing: surrounded by familiar faces in a modest union hall, near his childhood home but distant from the political spotlight.
This weekend, the president made his closing appeal in a 2024 campaign that he initiated over a year ago with ambitious goals, only to see them diminish over time — gradually at first, but culminating in a disastrous debate night that changed everything.
Initially, Biden foresaw a race culminating in a triumphant reelection. However, Kamala Harris has since taken the spotlight, leading in a race that could either pave the way for a new generation of Democratic leadership or enable a Republican to dismantle his legacy swiftly.
Thus, Biden finds himself navigating the final days of this closely contested election and his last presidential campaign in a 52-year political career by hopping between campaign events in this crucial swing state and his home in Wilmington, Delaware, supporting his vice president in familiar areas where he is cherished and can do no harm.
“I’m asking for your support for Kamala and Tim Walz,” Biden told a crowd of approximately 150 supporters who paused their get-out-the-vote activities to fill the local carpenters union headquarters, eager to see a president they believe has always supported them. “I’m not just asking for me. I’m going to be gone. I’m asking you to do something for yourself and your families.”
After Biden wrapped up his appearance and headed back to Delaware, where he made a routine church visit before ending his day early, Harris was heading to New York for a surprise appearance on “Saturday Night Live.”
These three Pennsylvania events were expected to be Biden's final moments on the campaign trail before returning to the White House the day before the election. This starkly contrasted with the large rally Barack Obama held in Philadelphia to close the 2016 race, although it was less secluded than George W. Bush’s final weekend in 2008 at Camp David. Biden spent his Sunday having lunch with Ted Kaufman, his former chief of staff and confidant, at a country club in Wilmington.
If this moment symbolized a letdown in what has been a disappointing campaign season for Biden, he showed no signs of frustration or regret. Since designating Harris as his successor three months ago, Biden has consistently voiced his support for her candidacy, even as he personally believes he could have defeated Donald Trump again — and while Harris has increasingly distanced herself from a president who has faced embarrassing errors and low approval ratings. Not long ago, he created a new challenge for Harris’s campaign when he mistakenly referred to Trump’s supporters as “garbage,” claiming he did not intend to do so.
In his final speeches before Election Day, Biden praised Harris, often emphasizing “Kamala and I” regarding the accomplishments of his administration in revitalizing the economy, expanding healthcare, and attracting investments in infrastructure and technology. He sought to reassure union workers that Harris would honor their interests just as he did, asking them to trust his endorsement.
Despite struggles in delivering a clear message, Biden demonstrated over two days in Pennsylvania — at union halls in Philadelphia and Scranton — that he remains steadfast in his conviction: the presidential race represents a battle for the nation’s soul.
"Three days to Election Day: The stakes couldn't be higher. The choice couldn't be clearer," Biden said. "This other guy doesn't care about us."
His comments are unlikely to significantly alter the race's course, which has long since moved beyond his influence, mainly energizing loyal Democratic voters in a state that may rely on a narrow group of Independents and Republicans disenchanted with Trump.
As “Union Joe” connected with labor leaders and local politicians, Harris was engaged in a dynamic race across swing states characterized by large rallies and high-profile guest appearances.
She has concentrated on the future, adopting a “turn the page” slogan that subtly implies a departure not just from Trump but also from the Biden era itself.
“Biden is in the backdrop — this race needs to be about her and Trump,” remarked Dan Sena, a strategist who previously led the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “She’s not running to be Biden’s running mate. She’s running to be president against Trump.”
This shift has relegated Biden to a supporting role, which he has accepted, if not entirely embraced. Coordinating with Harris's campaign since stepping back, he has tailored many of his official appearances to issues that may benefit her campaign while giving her space on the trail.
When asked about Biden’s role, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates highlighted efforts to underline that the Republican agenda would "economically devastate hard-working middle-class families" by rolling back key domestic achievements.
Privately, Biden has expressed a desire to do more for Harris, motivated by the belief that his support is valuable and the acknowledgment that his legacy's fate is closely linked to her success, according to trusted associates.
However, Biden is burdened by persistent voter dissatisfaction over living costs, skepticism about his administration’s record, and concerns about his age—at 81, he no longer embodies the party he leads.
Last week, Biden also complicated his situation, turning what started as a routine get-out-the-vote call into a distraction with his “garbage” comment.
The ensuing scrutiny and debate regarding his intentions — Biden stated he was only referring to comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who mocked Puerto Rico as an “island of garbage” — intensified some Democrats' belief that the president should step back from the campaign.
“Joe Biden, God bless him, but he’s not at the top of the ticket,” commented one Democrat close to Harris's campaign.
This incident raised questions about whether Biden would reconsider his weekend travel plans to prevent any risk of further gaffes. While he ultimately managed to navigate his events without significant missteps, he did deviate from prepared remarks at times, showing that risks remain.
At the start of his speech in Philadelphia on Friday, Biden seemed to struggle to remember the name of former Representative Bob Brady — a longtime ally he had embraced moments earlier.
"The guy, if you’re in trouble, you’re in a foxhole — man, you want him with you,” he said, gesturing toward Brady with a smile. “That guy right there, what’s his name?”
Although unclear if he was serious, it elicited laughter from the audience, with one person calling out “Bobby!”
“Bobby, good to see you pal. You’re great,” Biden responded. “I’m serious, he’s always, always there.”
A White House official later clarified that Biden was joking about forgetting Brady’s name.
In Scranton the following day, Biden went off-script again, warning that Trump and Republicans might try to cut taxes for the wealthy, and added, "these are the kinds of guys you like to smack in the ass."
Such moments have caused discomfort among Democrats and sparked concerns in Washington regarding his ability to continue serving another term. During his suspended reelection campaign, Biden struggled to engage a restless public and communicate a coherent message, notwithstanding a record of legislative achievements to promote. After concluding his campaign, he has made only minor tweaks to his speech, sticking to a familiar set of anecdotes and statistics that few voters seem eager to hear.
However, in front of a home crowd, the humorous remark prompted hearty laughter. His allies were quick to point out that this reaction indicates his understanding of his audience and shows that he retains the blue-collar charm that first brought him to the presidency.
Supporters argue that this suggests Biden still has value to a party that may be moving away from him.
"I think he adds to the campaign," said Mike Mikus, a Democratic strategist in Pennsylvania. "Joe Biden speaks to a lot of Democrats, especially here in Pennsylvania, who've seen the work that he's done."
Indeed, over the weekend, Biden emphasized the importance of being around people who have supported him throughout his career. There were signs of his enduring retail skills; he moved a labor leader’s widow to tears by presenting her with the Presidential Citizens Medal. Later, while walking into another labor hall with half a chocolate doughnut in his mouth, he interrupted a photo opportunity to lead the audience in singing “Happy Birthday” to a union volunteer.
In a state that may hinge on narrow margins, such personal touches can be crucial, his close allies suggest.
Yet, they also recognize that the party is evolving, and the electorate is looking toward the future — with Biden's place no longer at its center.
“Most people that support him would’ve loved to see him go out on top, not have to step aside,” noted Mikus. “But in the end — and this will apply to most voters — once he leaves office, they will look back at his presidency as one of accomplishment, one of the most successful presidents of our lifetime. Sometimes it just takes a while.”
Lauren Egan and Elena Schneider contributed to this report.
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
This weekend, the president made his closing appeal in a 2024 campaign that he initiated over a year ago with ambitious goals, only to see them diminish over time — gradually at first, but culminating in a disastrous debate night that changed everything.
Initially, Biden foresaw a race culminating in a triumphant reelection. However, Kamala Harris has since taken the spotlight, leading in a race that could either pave the way for a new generation of Democratic leadership or enable a Republican to dismantle his legacy swiftly.
Thus, Biden finds himself navigating the final days of this closely contested election and his last presidential campaign in a 52-year political career by hopping between campaign events in this crucial swing state and his home in Wilmington, Delaware, supporting his vice president in familiar areas where he is cherished and can do no harm.
“I’m asking for your support for Kamala and Tim Walz,” Biden told a crowd of approximately 150 supporters who paused their get-out-the-vote activities to fill the local carpenters union headquarters, eager to see a president they believe has always supported them. “I’m not just asking for me. I’m going to be gone. I’m asking you to do something for yourself and your families.”
After Biden wrapped up his appearance and headed back to Delaware, where he made a routine church visit before ending his day early, Harris was heading to New York for a surprise appearance on “Saturday Night Live.”
These three Pennsylvania events were expected to be Biden's final moments on the campaign trail before returning to the White House the day before the election. This starkly contrasted with the large rally Barack Obama held in Philadelphia to close the 2016 race, although it was less secluded than George W. Bush’s final weekend in 2008 at Camp David. Biden spent his Sunday having lunch with Ted Kaufman, his former chief of staff and confidant, at a country club in Wilmington.
If this moment symbolized a letdown in what has been a disappointing campaign season for Biden, he showed no signs of frustration or regret. Since designating Harris as his successor three months ago, Biden has consistently voiced his support for her candidacy, even as he personally believes he could have defeated Donald Trump again — and while Harris has increasingly distanced herself from a president who has faced embarrassing errors and low approval ratings. Not long ago, he created a new challenge for Harris’s campaign when he mistakenly referred to Trump’s supporters as “garbage,” claiming he did not intend to do so.
In his final speeches before Election Day, Biden praised Harris, often emphasizing “Kamala and I” regarding the accomplishments of his administration in revitalizing the economy, expanding healthcare, and attracting investments in infrastructure and technology. He sought to reassure union workers that Harris would honor their interests just as he did, asking them to trust his endorsement.
Despite struggles in delivering a clear message, Biden demonstrated over two days in Pennsylvania — at union halls in Philadelphia and Scranton — that he remains steadfast in his conviction: the presidential race represents a battle for the nation’s soul.
"Three days to Election Day: The stakes couldn't be higher. The choice couldn't be clearer," Biden said. "This other guy doesn't care about us."
His comments are unlikely to significantly alter the race's course, which has long since moved beyond his influence, mainly energizing loyal Democratic voters in a state that may rely on a narrow group of Independents and Republicans disenchanted with Trump.
As “Union Joe” connected with labor leaders and local politicians, Harris was engaged in a dynamic race across swing states characterized by large rallies and high-profile guest appearances.
She has concentrated on the future, adopting a “turn the page” slogan that subtly implies a departure not just from Trump but also from the Biden era itself.
“Biden is in the backdrop — this race needs to be about her and Trump,” remarked Dan Sena, a strategist who previously led the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “She’s not running to be Biden’s running mate. She’s running to be president against Trump.”
This shift has relegated Biden to a supporting role, which he has accepted, if not entirely embraced. Coordinating with Harris's campaign since stepping back, he has tailored many of his official appearances to issues that may benefit her campaign while giving her space on the trail.
When asked about Biden’s role, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates highlighted efforts to underline that the Republican agenda would "economically devastate hard-working middle-class families" by rolling back key domestic achievements.
Privately, Biden has expressed a desire to do more for Harris, motivated by the belief that his support is valuable and the acknowledgment that his legacy's fate is closely linked to her success, according to trusted associates.
However, Biden is burdened by persistent voter dissatisfaction over living costs, skepticism about his administration’s record, and concerns about his age—at 81, he no longer embodies the party he leads.
Last week, Biden also complicated his situation, turning what started as a routine get-out-the-vote call into a distraction with his “garbage” comment.
The ensuing scrutiny and debate regarding his intentions — Biden stated he was only referring to comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who mocked Puerto Rico as an “island of garbage” — intensified some Democrats' belief that the president should step back from the campaign.
“Joe Biden, God bless him, but he’s not at the top of the ticket,” commented one Democrat close to Harris's campaign.
This incident raised questions about whether Biden would reconsider his weekend travel plans to prevent any risk of further gaffes. While he ultimately managed to navigate his events without significant missteps, he did deviate from prepared remarks at times, showing that risks remain.
At the start of his speech in Philadelphia on Friday, Biden seemed to struggle to remember the name of former Representative Bob Brady — a longtime ally he had embraced moments earlier.
"The guy, if you’re in trouble, you’re in a foxhole — man, you want him with you,” he said, gesturing toward Brady with a smile. “That guy right there, what’s his name?”
Although unclear if he was serious, it elicited laughter from the audience, with one person calling out “Bobby!”
“Bobby, good to see you pal. You’re great,” Biden responded. “I’m serious, he’s always, always there.”
A White House official later clarified that Biden was joking about forgetting Brady’s name.
In Scranton the following day, Biden went off-script again, warning that Trump and Republicans might try to cut taxes for the wealthy, and added, "these are the kinds of guys you like to smack in the ass."
Such moments have caused discomfort among Democrats and sparked concerns in Washington regarding his ability to continue serving another term. During his suspended reelection campaign, Biden struggled to engage a restless public and communicate a coherent message, notwithstanding a record of legislative achievements to promote. After concluding his campaign, he has made only minor tweaks to his speech, sticking to a familiar set of anecdotes and statistics that few voters seem eager to hear.
However, in front of a home crowd, the humorous remark prompted hearty laughter. His allies were quick to point out that this reaction indicates his understanding of his audience and shows that he retains the blue-collar charm that first brought him to the presidency.
Supporters argue that this suggests Biden still has value to a party that may be moving away from him.
"I think he adds to the campaign," said Mike Mikus, a Democratic strategist in Pennsylvania. "Joe Biden speaks to a lot of Democrats, especially here in Pennsylvania, who've seen the work that he's done."
Indeed, over the weekend, Biden emphasized the importance of being around people who have supported him throughout his career. There were signs of his enduring retail skills; he moved a labor leader’s widow to tears by presenting her with the Presidential Citizens Medal. Later, while walking into another labor hall with half a chocolate doughnut in his mouth, he interrupted a photo opportunity to lead the audience in singing “Happy Birthday” to a union volunteer.
In a state that may hinge on narrow margins, such personal touches can be crucial, his close allies suggest.
Yet, they also recognize that the party is evolving, and the electorate is looking toward the future — with Biden's place no longer at its center.
“Most people that support him would’ve loved to see him go out on top, not have to step aside,” noted Mikus. “But in the end — and this will apply to most voters — once he leaves office, they will look back at his presidency as one of accomplishment, one of the most successful presidents of our lifetime. Sometimes it just takes a while.”
Lauren Egan and Elena Schneider contributed to this report.
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
