Biden’s Limited Role in the Midterm Elections Amid Health Challenges
Former President Joe Biden has largely been absent from campaigning efforts as Democrats strive to regain majorities in both the House and Senate. While Barack Obama and Kamala Harris have intensified their support for Democratic candidates, Biden, aged 83, has maintained a limited public schedule due to his battle with advanced prostate cancer. Despite his health, he has endorsed candidates and assisted in fundraising activities.
In contrast, with four weeks until Election Day, Obama is actively participating by filming ads for Senate and gubernatorial candidates and aiding in fundraising. He is set to join the campaign trail during the final stages of the midterm elections. Meanwhile, Harris, nominated as the Democratic presidential candidate for 2024, is visiting key battleground states, including a recent trip to Michigan to support Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed.
Former President Barack Obama during campaigning on Nov. 1, 2025. (Adam Gray/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Biden’s political appearances have been limited. His notable public engagements include speaking at a February reception celebrating his 2020 South Carolina primary win and addressing a Maryland Democratic Party event in June.
Michael Ceraso, a seasoned Democratic strategist, expressed concerns about Biden’s potential as a liability if more visible in public, both virtually and in person. On the other hand, Maria Cardona shares that Biden still holds significant public favor.
Biden supported Democratic candidates in several primary elections, endorsing Keisha Lance Bottoms for Georgia Governor and Dan Koh for Massachusetts’ 6th Congressional District. But most of his advocacy pertains to promoting democracy’s importance.
Biden’s primary focus post-presidency contrasts with Donald Trump’s rhetoric. Trump and other Republicans blame Biden for fuel price increases, despite polls showing Trump’s administration receives more criticism for this issue. Biden left office with a 42% approval rating amid high inflation and foreign policy divisions.
Post-presidency assessments show Biden holding a 71% favorable opinion among Democrats, as per a May CNN poll, yet 25 points below Obama’s favorability rating. Some Democrats blame Biden for the 2024 election loss to Trump, suggesting his delayed withdrawal prevented Harris from successfully campaigning.
Ceraso observed Biden lacking the charisma seen in Harris and Obama, making him less favorable for large-event organizing. Cardona, however, noted that Biden’s health currently prevents active campaign participation.
Efforts to garner comments from Biden’s spokesperson were unsuccessful at the time of publication. Fox News continues to cover these ongoing developments.