With just over five months left in his presidency, President Joe Biden is embracing a more relaxed public persona while still tackling major policy priorities. As Biden continues to address international conflicts, he might also be ready to try his hand at TikTok stardom as a private citizen.
Anyone have any LinkedIn leads? President Biden joked that he's 'looking for a job' to a group of influencers at the White House on Wednesday pic.twitter.com/trwsrCD9Z7
— NowThis Impact (@nowthisimpact) August 14, 2024
At a recent White House meeting with online content creators, Biden quipped, "I'm looking for a job," drawing laughter from the young influencers he called "the future" of news media. The president even joked about potentially becoming a content creator himself after leaving office, saying, "I got contacts, man, you all think I'm kidding."
This jovial tone marks a shift for Biden, who has shown a noticeably more easygoing demeanor in public appearances since announcing he would not seek re-election. During a trip to New Orleans to announce new cancer research investments, the president twice approached assembled reporters for impromptu conversations – interactions he often avoided during more tense periods of his term.
Yet Biden continues to emphasize his active involvement in critical matters of state. He noted he receives briefings on the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza "every five hours," underscoring his ongoing engagement with pressing international issues.
"I'd still get it done even if I was seeking a second term," Biden said earlier this month when asked if a recent prisoner exchange with Russia held special significance given his impending retirement. "You're stuck with me as president for a while, kid," he added, pushing back against any notion of being a lame duck.
The president's schedule reflects this dual focus. While making time for more relaxed events and dinners out with staff, Biden continues to prioritize signature policy initiatives like cancer research funding. The New Orleans trip highlighted the "Cancer Moonshot" program, a deeply personal project for the president.
As he enters the final stretch of his presidency, Biden appears to be finding a balance between legacy-building efforts, ongoing policy work, and a more laid-back public image. His recent quips about job hunting and content creation suggest a leader increasingly at ease with the idea of life after the White House, even as he remains engaged in the weighty responsibilities of the presidency.
