Former President Joe Biden certainly did not fade into the background after leaving office, as some people anticipated. Instead, his last year was filled with public appearances and newsworthy moments.
It’s been nearly a year since he exited the White House, but there was hardly a dull moment for the veteran senator and one-term president. What started as a campaign to forgive family members quickly gained traction with a Christmas Eve post that included speeches, writing a book, and commuting on trains.
He kicked off the year on a significant note, granting preemptive pardons to several individuals—including Dr. Anthony Fauci and retired Army Gen. Mark Milley—just before his presidency officially ended. After leaving Washington, D.C., on January 20, he remained relatively low-key and only shared a few thoughts on X until March.
Then, in March, a shift occurred. NBC News reported that both Biden and his wife, Jill, were looking to re-engage in politics, even after a tumultuous exit from the party. Supposedly, Biden met with the new Democratic National Committee Chairman in February and offered his assistance with fundraising efforts.
During this time, he and Jill were also working on a book, commuting frequently between Delaware and D.C. for meetings with advisors on the project.
A few days later, Biden made his political re-entry through campaign-style posts. He reflected on the Affordable Care Act’s anniversary, stating its significance both then and now, and emphasized his administration’s efforts to improve healthcare accessibility.
Attendance at the Broadway opening of “Othello” marked the couple’s first public outing following their presidency. In April, Biden delivered his first major speech post-office, focusing on the theme of dignity and addressing Americans’ worth.
However, that speech’s sincerity contrasted sharply with earlier remarks he had made about Trump supporters. In May, Jill stepped in during a television interview where Biden, prompted about his mental acuity, began to ramble, mentioning various challenges faced during his presidency, before trailed off mid-sentence.
That same month, Biden disclosed he was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, describing it as aggressive but manageable. The following June brought headlines about his humorous train rides on Amtrak, where he reportedly spoke a little too loudly in a quiet car while asking for ice cream.
By July, he signed a smaller memoir deal compared to previous presidents, and he continued to make headlines, notably warning that democracy faced threats during a speech in Chicago.
August, according to a fan account, was quieter, though his daughter shared photos of their family time. In September, Biden underwent surgery to remove skin cancer lesions and faced reports detailing his post-presidency financial struggles, revealing he had considerable debt.
As the year progressed, Biden completed radiation treatment in October. He wrapped up the year with various fundraising events and family gatherings, though a slip-up during a speech at the International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference turned into an awkward moment when he incorrectly referred to the “United States of America” as a different name.
Before the year concluded, a Christmas Eve photo of him with his family went viral for the wrong reasons, as he amusingly appeared tucked away at the back. Reactions ranged from light-hearted to concerned about the photo’s composition, sparking discussions about respect within families.
