Joe Biden leaves office nostalgic about his five-decade career and frustrated by how it ended

As President Joe Biden made his final appearances this week, delivering farewell speeches to diplomats, military leaders, and the nation, a stark reality loomed over his departure. This was not the ending he had envisioned for his five-decade political career in Washington. 

Leaving office reluctantly on Monday, Biden remains convinced he had more to offer, though doubts linger about his health and stamina.

His presidency brought notable accomplishments but also left unresolved tensions and frustrations. Key alliances with former supporters fractured, and criticism emerged within his party for enabling Donald Trump’s return to power. Meanwhile, his relationship with Vice President Kamala Harris remained strained in the waning days of their partnership.

As Biden prepares to leave the capital, it becomes Trump’s domain once again, a reality Biden fought tirelessly to prevent. Instead of being remembered as a definitive counter to Trump, Biden’s presidency is framed as an interim chapter. His term, marked by significant events, did not solidify the legacy he had hoped to leave behind.

Reflecting on his presidency, Biden addressed mayors on Friday, expressing optimism about the future. “While my term in office is ending, the work continues,” he said. Yet, his single term was riddled with complexities.

He led the country through a pandemic but faced criticism for inflation spurred by stimulus spending. While he ended controversial Trump-era immigration policies, a surge in border crossings led to backlash and policy reversals.

Biden’s decision to withdraw from Afghanistan ended the nation’s longest war, but the chaotic and deadly process left many questioning his leadership. While U.S. alliances strengthened during the Ukraine conflict, the war continues with no clear resolution.

His achievements in infrastructure and manufacturing investments promise long-term benefits but failed to yield immediate political dividends. Despite restoring normalcy after Trump’s tumultuous tenure, Biden faced scrutiny for his advanced age and a controversial pardon of his son, Hunter.

In his Oval Office farewell speech, Biden urged patience, claiming his policies would yield results in time. “The seeds are planted, and they’ll grow and bloom for decades to come,” he said.

However, he surprised many by focusing on warnings against a “tech-industrial complex” instead of listing accomplishments. Critics noted the irony of Biden’s reliance on Silicon Valley and Wall Street donors.

Biden’s legacy remains a point of contention, both for his allies and historians. Supporters argue that future evaluations will highlight his substantive achievements rather than surface-level criticisms. Representative Jim Clyburn expressed confidence that history will treat Biden favorably for his policy impact.

Behind the scenes, Biden struggled with frustrations over his perceived underappreciation. A senior White House official described his dissatisfaction with the narrative surrounding his administration’s accomplishments.

Adding to the complexity, Biden occasionally hinted he could have defeated Trump in 2024 had he not been pressured to step aside. Such remarks, though unsubstantiated by polling, added tension with Harris and alienated some Democratic allies.

Biden’s comments about his potential victory over Trump rankled Harris’s camp, complicating an already delicate relationship. While Biden did not openly criticize Harris, his repeated assertions created friction within the Democratic Party. In response, Harris maintained public loyalty, standing beside Biden during key moments despite the underlying tension.

Harris, who loyally supported Biden during her presidential campaign, was privately frustrated by the dynamic. A former adviser noted her loyalty came at a cost. Biden’s adjusted remarks about Harris’s potential candidacy in 2028, while intended to show support, further fueled internal discord.

In their final days at the White House, Biden and Harris took divergent paths. Biden, poised to enter private life, plans to focus on his family, write a book, and raise funds for a presidential library. Despite expressing a desire to remain active, his future role in public life remains uncertain.

Harris, significantly younger than Biden, has broader political opportunities. Speculation surrounds her potential bids for California governor or another presidential run.

Her parting remarks to staff reflected her determination. “It is not my nature to go quietly into the night,” she said, signing her desk at the White House, a longstanding tradition.

As the Democratic Party grapples with its future, Biden’s departure marks a bittersweet end to a long and storied career. For Harris, the conclusion of their partnership signals the beginning of new political possibilities, even as the party navigates the aftermath of 2024. Biden leaves office with mixed emotions, confident in his legacy’s eventual recognition but aware of the challenges that marred his presidency’s conclusion.