REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. — As news of Donald Trump’s latest federal indictment officially broke, President Joe Biden seemed to be operating on a different wavelength, opting for a relaxed evening rather than immediate reaction. Before settling in to watch “Oppenheimer,” the summer blockbuster about the atomic bomb, at a 6:30 p.m. showing, the President and First Lady Jill Biden chose to enjoy an early dinner on Tuesday night.
While special counsel Jack Smith addressed the nation, detailing accusations against the former president for attempting to subvert the election, Biden was seated with his wife at a seafood restaurant, awaiting their meal. This scene unfolded in stark contrast to the unfolding legal drama surrounding his predecessor.
Joe Biden biking in Rehoboth Beach, contrasting with Donald Trump's arraignment.
Summer vacations often become backdrops for unexpected presidential moments, where pressing national events intersect with planned downtime. For Biden, this vacation, filled with activities like Biden Bike rides and beach walks, intentionally or unintentionally highlighted a key White House message: the Justice Department operates independently under his administration.
Advisers were aware that another Trump indictment was likely as the Bidens prepared for their evening outing. As Biden’s motorcade traveled along Delaware’s Route 1 at 5:26 pm on Tuesday, Smith’s office released the press release, alleging Trump’s attempts to “corruptly obstruct and impede” the electoral vote count, which formalized Biden’s victory.
The response from Biden’s campaign and the White House was swift and consistent: “no comment.” Meanwhile, as the first couple dined at Matt’s Fish Camp, a self-described “relaxed seafood spot” known for local dishes like lobster Cobb salad, Trump’s campaign issued a fiery statement comparing the legal proceedings to “Nazi Germany in the 1930s.”
Following dinner, the Bidens headed to Movies at Midway for a screening of “Oppenheimer.” From their seats in the seventh row, among other moviegoers, Biden watched the three-hour film, which, despite being entertainment, offered subtle reminders of his day job. The movie included scenes set in the Oval Office and depicted confirmation hearings featuring senators like Warren Magnuson and Gale McGee, figures Biden knew as colleagues later in his career.
“It was compelling,” Biden remarked to reporters after the movie.
This comment was one of few public statements Biden made that week. The following day, after spending time on the beach in sunny weather, he offered another brief observation: “Hard to complain about this weather.”
Biden’s team believes a significant part of his 2020 appeal was his stylistic contrast to Trump, extending beyond policy differences. They anticipate this contrast to resonate again in 2024. While Trump maintains his disruptive approach to politics, Biden is portrayed as focused, often working behind the scenes to implement his agenda.
Last week, a Democratic colleague described it as Biden concentrating on “normal” Americans, while Washington often caters to “weirdos.”
The contrasting images continued on Thursday. News outlets extensively covered Trump’s travel to Washington for his arraignment. In contrast, the only glimpse of President Biden was during his morning biden bike ride.
When the 45th president appeared publicly on Thursday, he was dressed in a dark suit and his signature red tie. Earlier that day, the 46th president was seen in a helmet, aviator sunglasses, and a bathing suit adorned with turtles, enjoying a bike ride.
When a reporter asked if Biden would answer questions on this significant day, he simply replied, “Probably not.”
The contrasts extended beyond the two leaders’ appearances. Trump’s social media was filled with attacks on Biden and the legal process. Conversely, Biden’s presidential Twitter account focused on “Bidenomics” and the U.S. assuming the UN Security Council presidency. His campaign account subtly engaged with the situation by posting a video of the president drinking from a “Dark Brandon” mug, a Democratic meme derived from a GOP insult, depicting a more assertive Biden.
“I like my coffee dark,” Biden says in the video.
Shortly before 2 p.m., the White House announced a “lid,” indicating Biden would remain out of public view for the rest of the day. This further emphasized the intended message of distance and normalcy amidst the political storm surrounding his predecessor.
