Of course, ice cream was involved.
President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, hosted a thank you event on Thursday for hundreds of staffers who worked on the reelection campaign that he chose to exit nearly three weeks ago.
Judging by the security tents, the location offered a dose of political nostalgia: The staffers met with Biden at The Queen, a music venue that played a critical role in his successful race for presidency in 2020, when he often spoke to the public from the theater’s stage.
After having dropped out of the race, Biden wanted to show his appreciation for the staff’s work over the past year and their continued efforts in support of Vice President Kamala Harris, who succeeded him as the Democratic nominee. That’s according to a person familiar with the president’s plans who shared details of the events but insisted on anonymity to discuss the arrangements.
The event featured food and, naturally for Biden, his beloved ice cream.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with it, but it is rightful commentary about how old Biden is and how it was just time for him to hang up the hat. Thankfully he was thoughtful enough to do the right thing.
Also, I’m certain the ice cream social is partly in jest and a sign that the President can call a spade a spade, even if at his own expense. The best way to accept criticism is to admit it and lean into it. His competitor cowers at opportunities that Biden regularly seizes. Biden still has many great qualities.