Joe Biden campaign absence/ Biden Harris 2024 election/ Kamala Harris presidential race/ Obama campaigns for Harris/ Biden campaign 2024/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Joe Biden’s campaign presence has been limited as Vice President Kamala Harris battles in a tight race for the presidency. While Biden pledged to hit the road after Labor Day, his appearances have been few, sometimes overshadowing Harris’ own events. Despite the lack of campaign trail support, Harris has the backing of key figures, including Barack Obama. The balancing act between fulfilling presidential duties and campaigning for Harris has left some wondering how much Biden will contribute in the final weeks leading up to the election.
Biden’s Campaign Absence Looms as Harris Pushes Forward Quick Looks
- Limited campaign appearances: Despite promises to campaign hard for Kamala Harris, President Biden has been largely absent from the campaign trail.
- Balancing presidency and campaigning: Biden’s official duties, including disaster responses and international trips, have overshadowed Harris’ efforts.
- Obama steps up: Former President Barack Obama has committed to campaigning for Harris, taking on a more active role in her bid for the White House.
- Criticism and support: While some argue Biden’s absence may hurt Harris, others believe his focus on governance could be beneficial.
Biden’s Absence Looms Large in Harris’ Campaign as Election Day Nears
Deep Look
In late August, President Joe Biden promised to actively campaign for Vice President Kamala Harris, stating he would be “on the road from there on.” However, since Labor Day, Biden’s involvement in Harris’ presidential campaign has been minimal, raising questions about his role as Election Day approaches on November 5.
While Biden did make an appearance with Harris at a Labor Day event in Pittsburgh, his presence on the campaign trail has been notably sparse. His focus has remained largely on fulfilling his presidential duties, leaving Harris to navigate the race largely on her own. Biden’s schedule, filled with official events, has sometimes overshadowed Harris’ efforts, with their appearances even clashing at times.
One notable instance occurred after Hurricane Helene. As Harris canceled campaign events in Las Vegas to return to Washington for a briefing at FEMA, Biden simultaneously delivered his own remarks on the storm response from the Oval Office, pulling media attention away from Harris.
Campaign Challenges
For Harris, the lack of Biden’s involvement presents challenges, not only in her own campaign but also for other Democrats. The party is aiming to maintain control of the Senate, reclaim the House, and secure key down-ballot races. Harris’ campaign has expressed no official concerns over Biden’s role, but the absence of consistent presidential support has become a talking point as her campaign heats up.
Barack Obama, however, has committed to campaigning for Harris. The former president is set to begin his campaign efforts in Pittsburgh and plans to travel to several battleground states in the final weeks before the election. Obama has also recorded ads for Democratic Senate candidates in states like Michigan and Florida, showcasing his continued influence within the party.
The Juggling Act of Presidency and Campaigning
Historically, lame-duck presidents have struggled to balance their duties with campaigning for their successor. However, Biden’s situation is unique. Originally planning to run for a second term, Biden’s unexpected withdrawal from the race left Harris with a condensed timeframe to build her own campaign. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/harris-meet-arab-american-leaders-flint-michigan-friday-sources-say-2024-10-04/ defended Biden’s decision to focus on his job, stating, “I think he’s doing his job as president. I think that’s the most important thing.”
Hurricane Helene and other national crises have complicated Biden’s ability to join Harris on the campaign trail. In fact, both leaders have often had overlapping schedules—Biden addressing storm damage in Pennsylvania, and Harris offering support in North Carolina and Georgia. Although there have been moments of coordination, Biden’s appearances have often stolen the spotlight, such as when he made a surprise visit to the White House briefing room while Harris was addressing labor unions in Michigan.
Uncertainty Over Biden’s Role
Biden has attended several official events with Harris, including a White House event on gun violence and a healthcare initiative. However, the only joint political event since Harris took over the ticket—a Labor Day rally—did not go entirely as planned. Biden, who introduced Harris at the event, shook hands and interacted with the crowd before Harris had taken the stage, creating an awkward moment for the campaign.
It’s unclear whether Harris wants more active support from Biden on the campaign trail. Polls show that Democratic voters are more enthusiastic about Harris than they were about Biden, raising questions about whether his presence could help or hinder her efforts. Harris has also made efforts to differentiate herself on key policy issues, such as taxation, immigration, and gun rights, offering a glimpse into her leadership style beyond the shadow of Biden.
Looking Ahead
As the administration continues to address pressing issues like the recovery from Hurricane Helene and the escalating conflict in the Middle East, Biden’s ability to participate in Harris’ campaign may remain limited. Biden is scheduled to visit Philadelphia next week for an event supporting Sen. Bob Casey, a crucial stop in the battleground state of Pennsylvania. However, his attention will soon shift to international obligations, including trips to Germany and Angola.
Some within the Democratic Party argue that Biden’s absence could be beneficial. Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried believes Biden’s job performance speaks for itself, stating, “You don’t need to campaign when you’re just doing your job.”
Yet, the looming question remains whether Biden will eventually ramp up his efforts in the final weeks before the election. Donna Brazile, former Democratic National Committee Chair, has urged Biden to campaign in key states like Pennsylvania, where his connection with union leaders and blue-collar workers could be instrumental to Harris’ success.
Others, however, suggest that Biden should focus on governing and allow others to take over campaign responsibilities. Paul Begala, a key strategist for Bill Clinton’s 1992 campaign, believes Biden’s best move is to leave the campaigning to Harris and influential Democratic figures like the Obamas and Oprah Winfrey. “But only Joe Biden can be president,” Begala said.
In the weeks ahead, the question remains whether Biden will step up his campaigning or stay focused on the presidency, leaving Harris and her team to make the final push toward Election Day.
