REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. — As news of Donald Trump’s latest federal indictment officially broke, President Joe Biden seemed miles away from the political storm, both figuratively and literally. Before settling in to watch “Oppenheimer,” the summer blockbuster about the atomic bomb, Biden and First Lady Jill Biden opted for an early dinner on Tuesday evening, seemingly unfazed by the unfolding legal drama surrounding his predecessor.
While Special Counsel Jack Smith addressed the nation, detailing accusations against Trump for attempting to overturn the 2020 election, Biden was enjoying a quiet dinner with his wife at a seafood restaurant. The scene painted a stark contrast: Washington D.C. braced for legal battles, while the current president was focused on a relaxed evening.
Joe Biden, Donald Trump
This summer vacation for President Biden, filled with leisurely activities like bike rides and beach strolls, inadvertently, or perhaps strategically, highlighted the White House narrative of a president detached from the Justice Department’s actions. Advisers were keenly aware that as the Bidens planned their date night away from their Rehoboth Beach retreat, the Trump indictment was imminent.
The presidential motorcade departed Biden’s vacation home around 5:26 p.m. on Tuesday. As it traveled along Delaware’s Route 1, Smith’s office released a press release accusing Trump of attempting to “corruptly obstruct and impede” the electoral vote count, solidifying Biden’s victory. The Biden campaign and White House swiftly issued “no comments,” maintaining a deliberate distance from the legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, as the Bidens dined at Matt’s Fish Camp, described as a “relaxed seafood spot” known for local dishes like lobster Cobb salad, the Trump campaign unleashed a fiery response, comparing the legal actions to “Nazi Germany in the 1930s.” The contrasting reactions underscored the widening political chasm.
Following dinner, the Bidens headed to Movies at Midway for a screening of “Oppenheimer.” From their seats in the seventh row, amongst fellow moviegoers, Biden watched the three-hour film. Despite the film’s weighty subject matter and Oval Office scenes, it was a brief departure from his presidential duties. He even noted the presence of characters based on senators he knew from his early political career. “It was compelling,” Biden remarked to reporters afterwards, offering a brief comment before returning to his vacation.
Adding to the image of presidential calm amidst external turbulence, Biden commented on the pleasant weather the next day after spending time on the beach: “Hard to complain about this weather.” These carefully chosen moments and activities are part of a broader strategy.
Biden’s advisors believe a key element of his 2020 appeal was his contrast to Trump, extending beyond policy to style and demeanor. They anticipate this contrast will resonate again in 2024. While Trump maintains a disruptive approach to politics, Biden aims to project an image of focused leadership, working behind the scenes to implement his agenda.
This contrast was further emphasized last week when a Democratic colleague suggested Biden should remain focused on “normal” Americans, contrasting them with the Washington “weirdos” seemingly dominating political discourse.
The visual dichotomy continued on Thursday. As news channels broadcast every moment of Trump’s arrival in Washington for his arraignment, the only glimpse of President Biden came from his morning Joe Biden Bike ride. While former President Trump appeared in a somber dark suit and red tie, President Biden was seen earlier in the day, casually dressed in a bathing suit with turtles, helmet, and aviator sunglasses, enjoying a bike ride near the beach.
When a reporter asked if he would address the momentous day, Biden simply replied, “Probably not,” reinforcing his detached stance.
The contrasts extended beyond personal appearances. Trump’s social media was filled with attacks, while Biden’s presidential Twitter account promoted “Bidenomics” and the US presidency of the UN Security Council. His campaign account subtly engaged with the political fray by posting a video of Biden drinking from a “Dark Brandon” mug, a meme embraced by Democrats, showcasing a playful, edgy side. “I like my coffee dark,” Biden quipped in the video.
Shortly before 2 p.m. that Thursday, the White House announced a “lid,” signaling no further public appearances from Biden for the rest of the day. The carefully orchestrated image of a president at ease, enjoying his vacation while his political rival faced serious legal challenges, was complete.
