Biden Hosts Ice Cream Thank You Event for Campaign Staff

(AP) — President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden held a thank you event on Thursday for hundreds of staffers who contributed to his reelection campaign, which he exited nearly three weeks ago. The gathering took place at The Queen, a music venue in Wilmington that was pivotal during his successful 2020 presidential campaign. The event served as a gesture of appreciation for the staff's dedication over the past year and their ongoing support for Vice President Kamala Harris, who has taken over as the Democratic nominee. Despite stepping back from the race, Biden has maintained a lower profile, reflecting a decline in confidence regarding his ability to compete against Donald Trump. This shift followed a challenging debate on June 27, which prompted him to reduce his travel and focus on closed-door policy briefings. Nevertheless, he has remained active in significant matters, including negotiations for a prisoner swap involving Russia that successfully freed two dozen individuals. The Queen, where the event was held, has historical significance for Biden, as it was a venue for many of his campaign events during the pandemic, allowing him to connect with voters while adhering to health guidelines. Originally a 19th-century hotel, the venue transitioned to a movie theater before falling into disrepair and reopening as a music venue in 2011. Following Biden's appearance, The Queen is set to host several bands, continuing its role as a cultural hub in the community.