Biden Following Restricted Schedule Amid Staff Concerns
President Joe Biden's team has made significant adjustments to his daily schedule, aiming to manage his stamina and avoid moments of fatigue that can lead to public gaffes.
This shift in schedule is largely attributed to concerns regarding Biden's age and its suspected impact on his alertness during longer days, as the Daily Mail reports.
The refined schedule now sees President Biden engaging in most of his public activities between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., a prime window during which aides observe that he is more alert.
This change has been implemented following observations that Biden is more prone to making mistakes when engaged in activities outside this time frame. Since the adjustments, meetings with world leaders have largely been completed within these hours, with only a single exception reported.
Biden Withdraws Amid Performance Concerns
These changes stem from Biden's past performance, including that seen at his June 27 debate with former President Donald Trump, which took place at 9 p.m.. His performance was widely criticized, and it highlighted the narratives surrounding his scheduling constraints.
Despite stepping out of the race on July 21, President Biden's popularity has continued to be a topic of discussion. With an approval rating standing at 40.6% according to FiveThirtyEight's data, Biden's political presence poses challenges for Democratic Party strategies.
Impact of Scheduling on Campaign Events
In recent months, Biden has not been scheduled for public events on 43 of the past 75 days. This break from the public eye has reportedly been due to both his age and unpopularity, complicating campaign efforts. Reports suggest that Biden’s presence in swing states could potentially disadvantage Vice President Kamala Harris, given his approval low ratings and faltering public perception.
Adding to the challenges, scheduling conflicts prevented the White House from arranging certain public events, such as a traditional reception for the University of Michigan's championship-winning football team.
Family and Associates Rally for Campaign
The Democratic Party campaign strategy also involves contributions from key figures like first lady Jill Biden and second gentleman Doug Emhoff. Although Jill Biden had to cancel a Paris fundraiser during her trip to the Olympic Games after Biden's withdrawal from the race, Emhoff managed the event during the Olympics' closing ceremony.
Looking ahead, during her fall teaching break, Jill Biden may be gearing up to travel through battleground states, supporting the campaign efforts.
Collaborations and Political Strategies
Despite the scheduling constraints, President Biden has pledged to support Vice President Harris in whatever capacities are necessary to enhance her chances of victory. This agreement includes remaining absent from certain campaign spots if it is deemed beneficial for her prospects.
Harris, while having only campaigned with Biden once beyond joint appearances at the White House, continues to be an integral part of the campaign agenda. Simultaneously, plans for Biden's upcoming visit to Philadelphia to campaign for Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey remain in place as part of the Democratic outreach.
Managing Leadership Amid Personal Challenges
President Biden’s leadership has been scrutinized, with some aides and allies mentioning the rapid impact of job stress and personal challenges, such as his son Hunter's legal issues. However, the White House refutes claims of any rapid deterioration in Biden's capabilities due to these factors.
Amid the analyses and observations, Biden has assured Democratic governors that he will refrain from scheduling any engagements past 8 p.m., reaffirming his commitment to manage his time effectively.
Overall, the efforts to refine President Biden's schedule underscore the intricacies of balancing leadership responsibilities with personal well-being amid a demanding political landscape.