WILMINGTON, Del. — In a gesture of gratitude, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden hosted an appreciation event on Thursday for the campaign staff who supported his reelection bid. The event, held at The Queen music venue, came nearly three weeks after Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race.
The Queen, a significant location in Biden’s 2020 campaign, was chosen for its historical connection to his previous electoral success. The venue, which played a key role during the pandemic when Biden held numerous events there, provided a fitting backdrop for the gathering.
Biden’s decision to step back from the race was influenced by waning confidence in his ability to secure victory against former President Donald Trump, particularly after a challenging debate on June 27. Since his withdrawal, Biden has scaled back his public engagements and focused on private policy briefings.
The appreciation event featured a familiar touch: ice cream, a favorite of the president. Although the media were not granted access, attendees reported that Biden and his wife delivered speeches and posed for photos with the staff.
Despite his reduced public profile, Biden has continued to engage in notable activities, including efforts towards a prisoner swap with Russia that resulted in a multinational deal securing the release of two dozen individuals.
The Queen, originally a 19th-century hotel and later a movie theater, had fallen into disrepair before being revived as a music venue in 2011. The venue’s website indicates that following Biden’s appearance, it will host performances by Cobra Whip, The Stone Eye, and Dirty House on Friday.
