### Biden’s Final Campaign Lap: Supporting Harris from the Sidelines

SCRANTON, Pennsylvania — President Joe Biden’s 2024 campaign journey has culminated not in a grand spectacle but in a modest union hall near his childhood home. This setting reflects the winding down of a campaign that began with high hopes but ultimately fizzled out, highlighted by a significant debate setback. Kamala Harris has now taken the spotlight, racing against the clock to secure victory in a competitive contest that may either herald a new era of Democratic leadership or pave the way for a Republican eager to dismantle Biden’s achievements.

During the final stretch, Biden has been making campaign stops in Pennsylvania and Delaware, advocating for Harris and Tim Walz. At a gathering of around 150 supporters in a local carpenters union headquarters, Biden implored, "I'm asking for your support for Kamala and Tim Walz... I'm not just asking for me. I'm going to be gone. I'm asking you to do something for yourself and your families."

While Biden returned to Wilmington to conclude his day, Harris was making a surprise appearance on "Saturday Night Live" in New York. Biden's campaign efforts over the weekend are expected to be his last before Election Day, a stark contrast to Barack Obama's closing rally in 2016 in Philadelphia.

Throughout the campaign, Biden has maintained his support for Harris, even after stepping aside three months ago. Despite personal confidence that he could have defeated Donald Trump again, Biden has respected the distance Harris has kept from him, especially following several of his public gaffes, including a recent controversial comment about Trump's supporters.

In his final pitches, Biden highlighted the accomplishments of his administration, praising Harris and underscoring the significance of their joint efforts to revive the economy and expand healthcare. He reassured union workers of Harris's commitment to labor issues, urging them to trust his endorsement.

Biden’s campaign efforts in Pennsylvania underscored his belief that the presidential race is fundamentally about the nation's soul. Speaking to union leaders, he emphasized the high stakes of the election, "Three days to Election Day: The stakes couldn't be higher. The choice couldn't be clearer."

While his closing messages may not have swayed undecided voters, Biden succeeded in energizing staunch Democratic supporters. In contrast, Harris has been actively campaigning across other swing states, focusing on the future and subtly distancing herself from the Biden era, as highlighted by consultant Dan Sena.

Despite his diminished centrality in the campaign, Biden has coordinated with Harris's team to spotlight issues that bolster her campaign. White House spokesperson Andrew Bates emphasized Biden's focus on preventing the Republican agenda, which they argue would undermine middle-class families.

Privately, Biden’s allies reveal his desire to contribute more to the campaign, driven by the intertwined fate of his legacy and Harris’s success. Nevertheless, concerns linger about Biden’s approval ratings and his representation of the Democratic Party at 81.

Despite a few recent missteps, including the "garbage" comment controversy, Biden managed a relatively smooth weekend of campaigning. His casual, off-the-cuff moments, like joking about former Rep. Bob Brady’s name, exemplify his connection with his audience, even eliciting laughter in Scranton.

As Biden wraps up his lengthy political career, his interactions with supporters display his enduring popularity at a personal level. From surprising a labor leader's widow with a Presidential Citizens Medal to leading a birthday song for a union volunteer, Biden showed the personal touch that has been a hallmark of his appeal.

Although the Democratic Party is evolving and Biden is stepping out of the spotlight, his legacy remains influential. His close allies believe that his presidency, marked by significant achievements, will eventually be remembered as one of the most successful in recent history, even if recognition takes time.