During a rare public appearance at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) convention in San Diego, former President Joe Biden discussed how he’s spending his time after leaving office. Biden, who has largely avoided the public spotlight since his departure from the White House in January 2021, shared that he’s receiving calls from European leaders and officeholders seeking his guidance during the Trump era.
In a keynote speech, Biden emphasized his continued involvement in global issues, even though he’s not publicly active. He joked about the frequency of these calls, noting that he’s not going to provide specific details but stated that the interactions are significant. “I’m getting calls. I’m not going to go into it, I can’t, from a number of European leaders asking me to get engaged,” he said. “I’m not, but I’m giving advice. Because things are different.” This admission underscores Biden’s ongoing commitment to world efforts, despite his official retirement from the executive branch.
Biden also revealed that he is working on a memoir, a 500-page book expected to be completed by March of this year. He described himself as “working like hell” to finish the project, which he noted is a common expectation for former presidents.
His recent return to the public eye has not been without controversy. Since leaving office, Biden has largely stayed out of the public spotlight, with his first major public speech as a former president occurring in April, almost three months after his departure from the White House. His brief return to the limelight in May was met with backlash by his fellow Democrats, who expressed frustration with his media presence.
Biden’s remarks at the SHRM convention reflect a broader pattern of his post-presidency activities. While he has stepped away from the political grid, his connections with international leaders and his continued engagement in global issues highlight his ongoing influence. The potential implications of his continued involvement in international affairs are significant, given his historical role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and his potential impact on current geopolitical dynamics.
Despite the mixed reactions from his Democratic colleagues, Biden’s engagement with global leaders and his work on the memoir suggest a determination to remain relevant in both political and public spheres. His ability to maintain these connections and influence despite his retired status underscores the enduring impact of his presidency and his persistent interest in global affairs.