Former President Joe Biden has largely stayed away from the campaign trail as Democrats strive to regain control of the House and Senate. Despite former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris stepping up efforts, Biden, aged 83, maintains a limited public schedule. He battles advanced metastatic prostate cancer.
While supporting candidates and assisting with fundraising, Biden’s appearances have been scarce this year. This becomes more noticeable with Election Day approaching. Obama contributes by producing advertisements for candidates and preparing for campaign trail activities. Harris, nominated for the 2024 presidency, campaigns in crucial battlegrounds like Michigan.
Former President Barack Obama during a campaign event on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. (Adam Gray/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Biden’s political engagements this year include a speech in February at a South Carolina primary victory reception and an address at a Maryland Democratic Party event in June. Democratic strategist Michael Ceraso expresses concerns about Biden’s potential liability if publicly active.
Conversely, strategist Maria Cardona asserts that many Americans still admire Biden. He did voice support in some Democratic primary contests, endorsing figures like former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Dan Koh, securing their nominations. A statement from Biden on social media emphasized the importance of voting.
Biden serves as a counterpoint to President Donald Trump, who he defeated in the 2020 election. Biden ended his re-election bid following a poor debate against Trump in 2024. Republicans often blame Biden for high gas prices, though polls show blame shifting toward Trump.
Biden left office with a 42% approval rating due to issues like inflation and foreign policy. As of May, his favorable rating among Democrats was 71%, lower than Obama’s. Some Democrats hold him accountable for Trump’s 2024 win, believing Biden exited the race too late to allow a successful Harris campaign.
Ceraso notes Biden’s lack of charisma compared to Harris and Obama, affecting his rally draw. Cardona cites Biden’s health as a reason for limited campaign requests, highlighting the difficulty of asking him to campaign at 83 while battling cancer.
Fox News Digital contacted a Biden spokesman for comment but received no response by publication.