Former President Joe Biden is not actively participating in the campaign events as Democrats aim to regain control of the House and Senate. Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris are prominent in their support for Democratic candidates.
Biden, 83, is currently dealing with advanced prostate cancer, leading to a reduced public presence. He has endorsed candidates and contributed to fundraising efforts, but his appearances have been sparse this year.
As the midterm elections approach, Obama is visible across campaigns, producing ads for Senate and gubernatorial races. Harris, the Democrats’ 2024 presidential nominee, is actively campaigning in key states, recently visiting Michigan with Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed.
Former President Barack Obama at a campaign event on Nov. 1, 2025, supporting candidates ahead of the elections. (Adam Gray/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Biden’s few public engagements include a February reception in South Carolina, celebrating his 2020 primary victory, and a speech at a Maryland Democratic event in June.
Commenting on Biden’s absence, Democratic strategist Michael Ceraso noted concerns about Biden potentially being a political liability. In contrast, Maria Cardona emphasized that many Americans still support him.
Biden participated in endorsing Democratic primary candidates like former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms for governor and Dan Koh for Massachusetts’ 6th Congressional District.
Biden has encouraged civic participation, emphasizing the importance of voting in securing democracy. Through social media, he highlighted voting as a fundamental right and civic duty.
Despite stepping back, Biden continues to serve as a counterpoint to former President Donald Trump. Trump attributes high fuel prices to Biden, although polls show many Americans also blame Trump and his policies.
Biden ended his presidency facing low approval ratings related to inflation and foreign policy. His approval ratings were at 42% by January 2025, with a disapproval rate of 57%.
A CNN poll in May showed Biden held a favorable rating of 71% among Democrats, though this was lower compared to Obama’s rating by 25 points.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Joe Biden after addressing the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Washington, D.C., on January 15, 2025. (Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Some Democrats attribute Trump’s re-election in 2024 to Biden’s delayed withdrawal from the race, which impacted Harris’s campaign efforts.
Ceraso reflected on the 2024 election, highlighting the negative sentiment among some Democratic elite regarding Biden’s influence. He stated that Biden lacks the charisma compared to Harris and Obama, making him less appealing for large campaign events.
Cardona emphasized that Biden’s health challenges have reduced requests for his campaign involvement.
Fox News Digital attempted to reach Biden’s spokesperson for comments, but there was no response when the article was released. Paul Steinhauser provides ongoing national campaign coverage for Fox News.