Biden Spends One-Quarter of Final Year Vacationing or Working Remotely

Joe Biden’s Final Year: A Blend of Vacations and Remote Work

As President Joe Biden wraps up his presidency at 82, his final year has been characterized by a significant amount of downtime, with reports indicating he spent nearly a quarter of the year either vacationing or working remotely. This pattern emerged as Biden aimed to mitigate stress leading up to the transition to Donald Trump.

According to insights from White House pool reports, Biden was out of the White House for 24% of his final year, totaling 89 days spent at various vacation spots or engaged in remote work. Notably, this period of escape increased following his withdrawal from the presidential race and the rise of Vice President Kamala Harris as the leading candidate.

The breakdown shows Biden took 46 full or partial days off at locations such as Camp David, Delaware, Nantucket, California, and St. Croix. His vacation tally does not include crucial moments, such as the Camp David retreat prior to a disastrous presidential debate against Trump or his recovery time in Delaware after contracting COVID-19.

Despite the extensive time away, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates defended the president’s time off, highlighting the long-standing ability of presidents to fulfill their duties from anywhere. He noted that Biden was instrumental in securing international agreements even while away from Washington, D.C. Bates emphasized that Biden is a dedicated worker, taking only a handful of vacation days.

As Biden navigated the closing chapter of his presidency, he faced criticism for several final decisions, most notably commuting the sentences of 37 inmates on federal death row, a move that sparked outrage from Trump and his supporters. Trump voiced his discontent on social media, lambasting Biden’s actions and expressing his disbelief over the pardons given to individuals he characterized as violent criminals.

In a broader context, Biden has made several decisions during his last year in office, including an earlier clemency grant to 1,500 individuals. He defended these choices as demonstrating a commitment to extending mercy to those who have shown genuine remorse and rehabilitation.

Despite being on his way out of the White House, reports suggest that Biden and his closest aides have reflected on their decision to exit the presidential race, contemplating how a second term might have been within reach. Insiders noted that Biden has carefully avoided blame for this outcome, particularly towards Harris and her campaign.

As the political landscape shifts, Biden’s final year in office will be remembered for its unique balance of relaxation and pivotal decision-making during a tumultuous and transformative period.