As the 2024 presidential race enters its final stretch, President Joe Biden is stepping back onto the campaign trail, but this time in a different role. After deciding not to pursue a second term, Biden has transitioned from candidate to the primary surrogate for Vice President Kamala Harris, aiming to ensure her success in the upcoming election. This marks a significant shift in Biden’s political journey as he enters a new phase of his career while also working to solidify his legacy.

Biden and Harris: A United Front on Labor Day

Biden and Harris will begin their final push toward Election Day with a Labor Day event at a local union hall in Pittsburgh. This choice of venue is both symbolic and strategic, as Pittsburgh has been a crucial backdrop in Biden’s political career. The event is designed to appeal to working-class voters, a demographic that Biden has long sought to champion.

Labor Day, a holiday dedicated to celebrating the contributions of American workers, provides the perfect platform for Biden and Harris to highlight their commitment to labor rights and economic equality. By appearing together in Pittsburgh, they aim to underscore their shared vision for the future of the country and to rally support from voters who have traditionally formed the backbone of the Democratic Party.

Navigating Global Challenges While Campaigning

Biden’s return to the campaign trail comes at a time of heightened international tension. The president is juggling the responsibilities of governing with the demands of the campaign. Recently, the Israeli military recovered the bodies of six hostages, including Israeli American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who were killed by Hamas in Gaza. Both Biden and Harris reached out to Goldberg-Polin’s parents, offering their condolences and support.

Despite these global challenges, Biden remains focused on the campaign, using his extensive experience in foreign and domestic policy to bolster Harris’s bid for the presidency. His advisors have been meticulously planning his fall campaign schedule, ensuring that he can effectively support Harris while continuing to address pressing issues at home and abroad.

From Candidate to Surrogate: Biden’s New Role

Biden’s decision to forgo a second term has allowed him to take on a new role in the political landscape. No longer constrained by the demands of running his own campaign, he is now fully committed to supporting Harris. This transition was evident as Biden told reporters that he is eager to hit the campaign trail after a two-week vacation in California and Delaware.

Over the next few days, Biden will focus on Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan—key states that formed the “blue wall” that helped secure his victory over Donald Trump in 2020. His campaign events will blend official duties with promoting popular agenda items, offering a preview of how he will be deployed in the coming months.

Biden’s new role also aligns with Harris’s need to focus on the September 10 presidential debate, leading her to scale back her public appearances. Biden is stepping in to fill the gap, ensuring that the campaign maintains a strong presence in key battleground states during this critical period.

Pennsylvania: A Crucial Battleground

Pennsylvania holds particular significance for Biden. Born in Scranton, Biden has deep roots in the state and has always viewed it as a critical battleground in any election. His victory in Pennsylvania in 2020 was a narrow one, but it was crucial to his overall win. As Harris’s campaign focuses on securing the state’s electoral votes, Biden’s involvement could prove pivotal.

Biden has already indicated his willingness to campaign heavily in Pennsylvania, even discussing plans with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to launch a campaign tour across the state. The president’s focus on Pennsylvania reflects his belief that winning the state is essential for Harris’s success in November.

Biden’s Influence Among Key Demographics

Biden’s decision to step aside has allowed him to become a powerful advocate for Harris, particularly among blue-collar voters and older Americans. These demographics were instrumental in Biden’s 2020 victory, and they remain crucial for Harris’s campaign. Biden’s popularity among these groups, despite declining support from other key demographics, positions him as a valuable asset for the Harris campaign.

There is close coordination between the White House, the vice president’s office, and the campaign to ensure that Biden’s efforts are strategically aligned with Harris’s needs. As the race progresses, the frequency and nature of Biden’s campaign appearances may evolve, but his commitment to helping Harris win is unwavering.

The Challenges Ahead

While Biden’s involvement in the campaign is a significant asset, it also presents challenges. Republicans are eager to tie Harris to what they view as the failures of the Biden administration, particularly on issues such as immigration and the economy. Throughout the campaign, Trump has performed better in polls on these issues, which could pose difficulties for Harris.

Harris has so far avoided distancing herself from Biden’s record, instead focusing on messaging strategies that emphasize economic affordability, such as lowering grocery prices and housing costs. In a recent interview with CNN, Harris defended the administration’s economic record, highlighting the progress made in reducing inflation and lowering prescription drug costs.

“There’s more to do, but that’s good work,” Harris said, emphasizing the administration’s achievements.

A Focus on Legacy and Governance

Beyond the campaign, Biden is also concentrating on key goals he wants to achieve before leaving office. White House Communications Director Ben LaBolt stated that the president is “leaning in heavily” to support Harris’s campaign while also focusing on governing. Biden’s schedule will be packed with events that aim to secure progress for working Americans, whether through implementing key legislation or pursuing legislative action.

Biden is particularly focused on the implementation of his administration’s key legislative accomplishments, efforts to lower costs for Americans, and legacy issues such as the “Cancer Moonshot” initiative, supporting veterans, combating gun violence, and overseeing the ethical development of artificial intelligence.

Global Diplomacy and Biden’s Final Months

As Biden navigates his final months in office, he remains deeply engaged in global diplomacy. The conflict between Israel and Hamas and the ongoing war in Ukraine are top priorities. Biden recently placed separate calls to leaders in Israel, Egypt, and Qatar to push for a ceasefire and a hostage deal in Gaza. He also continues to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, maintaining regular communication with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

In addition to these diplomatic efforts, Biden is expected to travel abroad, with potential trips to Poland, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru, the G20 Summit in Brazil, and Africa—where he has long promised to visit. His participation in these international events could bolster Harris’s campaign by reaffirming U.S. leadership on the world stage.

The Road Ahead for Harris and Biden

As Biden shifts from principal to surrogate, his role in Harris’s campaign becomes increasingly important. His presence on the campaign trail, particularly in critical states like Pennsylvania, could provide the boost Harris needs to secure a victory in November. While Republicans will attempt to tie Harris to Biden’s record, the president’s deep connections with key voter groups and his commitment to the campaign make him an invaluable ally.

Biden’s legacy as a president willing to step aside for the future of his party is already being recognized by his supporters. As Mitch Landrieu, a co-chair of the Harris campaign, noted, Biden’s selfless act of stepping down has given him a “huge amount of credibility” as a surrogate.

In the coming months, Biden will continue to balance his responsibilities as president with his role as Harris’s top advocate. His ability to mobilize support among key demographics, particularly union workers and older voters, will be crucial in the final weeks of the campaign. With Biden on her side, Harris has a powerful ally who is committed to doing whatever it takes to secure victory in November.