As I reflect on President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside, the initial urge is to talk about the urgency with which the Democratic Party must identify a new leader and the broad impact of this pivotal moment at home in the UK.
But amid all the complex political discussions, intricate narratives, and behind-closed-doors conversations, I find myself wanting to say just one thing: Thank you, Joe.
With the drama of the last few weeks, it could be easy to overlook Joe Biden’s remarkable contributions, not only during his four years as president but over a lifetime in public service.
His career is marked not only by years — all 54 of them — but by immeasurable depth, and we should remember him as one of the most consequential presidents in history.
Not because he created more job opportunities in one term than any other president, fiercely supported Ukraine, or rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement, though he did.
Not because his focus on infrastructure resulted in upgrades to public transport, though it did.
Not even because he was the first president to join a worker’s picket line, invested in women’s health, reduced insulin costs, and expanded mental health services, though he did.
And not because he signed marriage equality into law, fought to protect reproductive care, cancelled student loan debt for many, and worked to close the attainment gap for children from low-income families, though he did all that too.
No, the depth of Joe Biden’s commitment to his country is vast and overwhelming, but the defining principle of his presidency has been empathy.
In a world marked by harsh rhetoric and division, he consistently demonstrated a profound ability to connect on a deeply personal level.
During a campaign event in New Hampshire, Biden met 12-year-old Brayden Harrington, who struggled with stuttering.
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Recognising the overwhelming nature of the event, Biden invited Brayden backstage to offer guidance and support. He shared personal techniques he had developed to manage his stutter, including highlighting his speech to indicate where to pause and take breaks.
Brayden later endorsed Biden for president on live television, using a script he had written with these techniques.
But this wasn’t a one-off. Biden met with many children who shared his stutter struggle; he made the time for them.
His willingness to speak openly about his extraordinary grief — losing his wife and daughter in a car accident and son to brain cancer — has helped many feel seen and understood during their darkest times.
When Biden met Fred Guttenberg, the father of Jaime, a victim of the Parkland school shooting, he shared his own experiences of losing a child, how he coped with the heartbreak and what to expect next.
The President helped Fred find strength, calling and later spending time with the father — no cameras, no journalists, no photographer, no staff — just one father to another.
In a blog post, Fred confessed that in his darkest days, Biden’s words and advice kept him going.
It is these moments that truly illustrate Biden’s character.
This remarkable empathy informed his policies and leadership style, re-introducing compassion and inclusivity to the White House. These qualities endeared him to so many in the United States and around the globe.
The hope ignited by Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’s victory in 2020 was a global phenomenon.
I fondly remember the mammoth 101-hour Zoom watch party (I think we broke a record!) with friends as the election results unfolded.
From the moment the polls closed to the moment Biden was declared the winner, we remained (virtually) together, committed to witnessing this victory.
We slept, ate, and exercised on the call, even taking shifts to stay awake around the clock and rousing each other if any significant news broke.
This was the level of hope and anticipation that Biden’s candidacy inspired among us in the UK.
Biden restored a sense of direction and purpose that had seemed at risk under Trump. He championed progressive policies that resonated worldwide, and his leadership style — marked by his empathy, dignity, and commitment to democratic values — starkly contrasted his predecessor.
Biden is truly a man of immense resilience and has served a lifetime in public office with heart and humanity.
But it is today’s decision — his decision to step aside — that is perhaps his ultimate act of service, even if some people thought it should come sooner.
It underscores the selfless dedication to his country and commitment to global democracy that have been the staples of his career.
Though the stakes for America have never been higher, and though the Democratic Party must quickly begin selecting his successor, we should take time to recognise and thank Biden for his service.
As we rally behind the principles he championed, let us honour his legacy with a renewed determination for a future that promises empathy for all.
But, before all that and above all, let me say it again, because it can’t be said enough: Thank you. You did it, Joe.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk.
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