In Biden’s Last Months, Selfies on Air Force One and a Chorus of ‘Thank You, Joe’

In the months since President Biden dropped out of the race, Democratic voters have bombarded him with words of gratitude. But they are, at least in part, thanking him for quitting.

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Two months after abandoning his bid for a second term, President Biden appears to be liberated by the decision, enjoying his long farewell and soaking up the adoration from supporters.

President Biden was in the mood to break some rules.

After a speech to union workers in Michigan, he brought a half-dozen of them onto Air Force One for a tour this month. He invited them to take photos in the presidential bedroom on the plane, something a White House staff member had just said was strictly forbidden.

But the president overruled his aide, according to Sean McGarvey, one of the top union officials present. Mr. Biden snapped some selfies with the group, and even let them lie down on one of the most exclusive parts of the aircraft: his bed.

Two months after abandoning his bid for a second term, Mr. Biden appears to be liberated by the decision, enjoying his long farewell and soaking up the adoration from supporters, even if it all comes with a painful truth: When people chant, “Thank you, Joe,” they are, at least in part, thanking him for quitting.

In private and public, Democratic voters are finding ways to say goodbye to a man who has been in public service for the better part of 50 years. They camp out along motorcade routes, hold up homemade signs and crack jokes that betray a hint (or more) of relief.

One of Mr. Biden’s supporters, who was at the White House recently for Hispanic Heritage Month, said the quiet part out loud after the president expressed regret for never having learned Spanish.

“You’re going to have time now!” the woman shouted from the audience.

“I do,” Mr. Biden replied, laughing.

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