BRYN MAWR, Pa. — President Joe Biden made a notable return to the 2024 political landscape on Tuesday, participating in campaign events in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin for an ally and to tout his administration’s achievements. This marked Biden’s first major foray into the political scene since he suspended his reelection campaign, highlighting the contrasting responses from two Democratic senators.
In Pennsylvania, Biden was welcomed warmly by Democratic Senator Bob Casey during a private fundraising event held in suburban Philadelphia, which happened to coincide with the Philadelphia Phillies playoff game against the New York Mets. This gathering signified Casey’s support, reflecting a steadfast relationship with Biden, as both hail from Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Conversely, Biden’s presence was noticeably absent in Wisconsin, where incumbent Senator Tammy Baldwin was engaged in a separate event while Biden discussed the administration’s initiatives, particularly focusing on the campaign to eliminate lead pipes across the nation. The distinct responses of Casey and Baldwin illustrate the broader dilemma facing Democrats in highly contested races.
Political experts suggest that Democratic candidates are weighing the potential benefits of aligning closely with Biden against the risks associated with his currently low approval ratings in many parts of the country. Christopher Borick from the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion remarked that there aren’t many situations where Biden’s involvement could amplify support for Democrats in challenging races.
Since ceasing his presidential campaign in July, Biden has spent little time campaigning for other Democrats. His recent visits to Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are especially significant, given the strategic importance of these states in the upcoming election cycle. Casey and Baldwin’s races are viewed as critical for the Democratic Party’s efforts to retain their narrow control of the Senate.
Although Biden pledged to actively support Vice President Kamala Harris and other Democrats following his withdrawal, he has predominantly remained on the sidelines as a campaign surrogate. Nevertheless, Biden continues to galvanize the party’s base, particularly against former President Trump, whom he criticized during his appearances.
In his address in Pennsylvania, Biden referred to claims in Bob Woodward’s new book, “War,” highlighting that Trump had secretly sent COVID-19 tests to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Biden underscored the potential national security threats posed by Trump’s past alliances.
Biden stressed their differing values during his fundraiser, indicating that he and Casey share “Scranton” values while contrasting with Trump’s “Mar-a-Lago” lifestyle. Despite Biden’s efforts, he faces skepticism from voters in Pennsylvania, where recent polls show nearly 40% have a favorable view of him, while about 60% view him unfavorably.
On the same day, Baldwin was occupied with her own campaign events, including receiving an award at a family farm. Her absence from Biden’s Wisconsin appearance mirrors a pattern, as she has not attended multiple Biden events throughout the year. However, she made a point to appear with Harris recently, indicating a selective approach to public appearances.
Biden’s approval ratings in Wisconsin have remained around 40%, showing little improvement since he withdrew from the race earlier this year. Baldwin faces Republican challenger Eric Hovde in her bid for a third term, and some political analysts suggest her strategy of distancing herself from Biden may be calculated to mitigate risks as election day approaches.
During Biden’s visit to Wisconsin, he emphasized a new Environmental Protection Agency rule mandating the identification and replacement of lead pipes in drinking water systems over the next decade. This initiative is part of a larger infrastructure plan that allocated $15 billion towards removing harmful lead pipes, a move that could significantly benefit future generations.
Biden took the opportunity to criticize both Trump and Senator Ron Johnson for their opposition to infrastructure funding during his speech. Echoing a familiar refrain, he noted that Trump’s frequent announcements of “infrastructure week” during his time in office ultimately resulted in little progress on actual projects.
The atmosphere of Biden’s gathering in Milwaukee was one of camaraderie as local leaders praised his support for the city, whereas Trump had previously derided Milwaukee. Even as Biden receives some criticism, supporters assert that his policies resonate with voters, stressing that local strategies must navigate the complexities of their individual campaigns.
Looking ahead, First Lady Jill Biden is slated to campaign for Harris in Madison, Wisconsin, as part of a broader tour through critical battleground states including Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
