Biden Hosts Ice Cream Social for Campaign Staff at Historic Wilmington Venue

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden recently hosted a gratitude-filled gathering for hundreds of campaign staffers at The Queen, a historic venue in Wilmington, Delaware. The event, which took place on August 8, 2024, served as a thank you to those who worked on the president's reelection campaign before his decision to withdraw from the race approximately three weeks ago.

The choice of venue was significant, as The Queen played a crucial role in Biden's successful 2020 presidential campaign. During that time, the theater served as a backdrop for numerous public addresses and news conferences, particularly when the COVID-19 pandemic limited traditional campaign activities.

True to Biden's well-known preferences, the event featured his favorite treat: ice cream. This detail aligns with the president's reputation for enjoying the dessert, with chocolate chip reportedly being his preferred flavor.

The gathering was not open to media, but an attendee shared that both Joe and Jill Biden delivered speeches and took photographs with staff members. The event also aimed to show appreciation for the team's ongoing support of Vice President Kamala Harris, who has assumed the role of Democratic nominee following Biden's withdrawal.

Since exiting the presidential race, Biden has maintained a lower public profile. This shift came after a challenging debate on June 27, 2024, against his rival, which reportedly led to a decline in confidence regarding his ability to defeat Donald Trump. Despite this, the president has remained engaged in significant matters, including his involvement in a multinational prisoner exchange with Russia.

The Queen, where the event took place, boasts a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Originally a hotel frequented by sailors, it later served as a movie theater from 1916 to 1959. After decades of abandonment, it was revitalized and reopened as a music venue in 2011.

Biden's connection to Wilmington runs deep, as the city has been his political home base throughout most of his career. From his time as a Senator representing Delaware from 1973 to 2009, to his role as Vice President from 2009 to 2017, and now as President, Wilmington has remained central to his political journey.

"I've been knocked down a lot. The measure of a person is not how often you get knocked down, but how quickly you get up."

This event at The Queen not only served as a gesture of gratitude but also as a reminder of Biden's long-standing political career and his deep roots in Delaware. It highlighted the president's ability to maintain connections with his staff and supporters, even in the face of political setbacks.

As Biden continues to navigate his role as president outside of the campaign trail, events like this underscore his commitment to the team that supported his political aspirations. The gathering at The Queen stands as a testament to the personal touch that has characterized much of Biden's political career, from his days as a Senator to his current position as the 46th President of the United States.