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Following his tenure leading what is described as the most inclusive U.S. Administration, Joe Biden was back in Washington on Friday, where he called upon a gathering of LGBTQ+ donors, activists, and aspiring politicians to intensify their opposition to Donald Trump’s attempts to undermine or misrepresent his accomplishments.

“Friends, Donald Trump and his Republican allies are attempting to obstruct and twist our struggle for equality. They seek to portray it as something frightening, something malevolent,” Biden stated while receiving a lifetime achievement honor from the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, an organization that educates and finances candidates. “The concept of equality is profoundly American. Nothing, nothing, nothing more so.”

This appeal was met with an expectedly enthusiastic response from the LGBTQ+ benefactors, advocates, and candidates assembled for a three-day strategic summit, many of whom are intimately familiar with Biden’s history concerning their causes. Biden notably preempted then-President Barack Obama in publicly endorsing same-sex marriage in 2012. (“I landed in a spot of bother. But beneficial bother,” Biden quipped on Friday.) Furthermore, as President, Biden enacted the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act through the Respect for Marriage Act, a legislative action that occurred three years ago next week.

“Ultimately, through the diligence, conviction, guidance, and sheer determination of individuals like yourselves in this gathering and countless others who preceded you… the significant struggle was at last victorious,” Biden declared. “At last, at last, at last.”

However, Biden conceded that the present environment is capable of fostering fatigue and gloom. Within a year, the Trump Administration has swiftly implemented numerous anti-transgender policies and reduced financial support for various initiatives aiding LGBTQ+ communities. On Monday, the U.S. government observed World AIDS Day for the first time in 37 years. “The forthcoming obstacles can seem overwhelming, especially given all we have witnessed from this conservative White House,” Biden remarked.

Biden is beginning to indicate his readiness to assertively protect his past achievements. He has maintained a largely traditional, understated presence since departing the White House in January. He allowed the excitement surrounding popular insider books about his presidential term to subside. A prominent fundraiser, Liz Bagley, has invited Biden’s associates to a holiday gathering this month to initiate fundraising for a future presidential library. Biden has historically lacked a strong rapport with the donor community, which partly clarifies why he spent a portion of his Friday with wealthy benefactors who support the training and election of LGBTQ+ candidates via Victory.

 Nonetheless, Biden understands the immediate challenge. He anticipates that much of the anger regarding his insistence on seeking re-election and his protracted choice to withdraw from the contest has dissipated. Numerous steadfast Democrats, previously overcome by vexation concerning Biden’s tenacity, now seem receptive to his account of events. 

Throughout this, Biden and his staff are endeavoring to refine a legacy that, if unaddressed, might not withstand the test of time favorably. He has only rarely voiced his opinion, permitting Trump to disparage Biden’s presidency as merely a puppet show orchestrated by assistants, without offering a rebuttal. Even Biden’s official portrait displayed outside the West Wing is intended as an affront; unlike other Presidents who have their likenesses depicted, Biden’s is merely a self-signing pen, implying he operated on auto-pilot throughout his four years. 

However, despite the Democratic party’s displeasure over November’s election outcome, their current ire is directed more intensely at Washington. A Pew Research Center survey released just this Thursday reveals the partisan divide is broader than at any point since Pew began tracking government dissatisfaction in 1997. A significant 44% of Democrats report feeling angry—a 10-point increase from Trump’s previous term—and 47% express frustration. (These survey figures precede the 43-day government shutdown, which is unlikely to have improved public sentiment toward Washington.)

No Democratic strategist is advising their clients to emulate Biden. Nevertheless, they universally acknowledge he is the sole Democrat to have headed a successful national ticket since 2012. Furthermore, an undeniable, enduring charisma persists. When Biden uses strong language, no one doubts if it’s a calculated move by a consultant to project authenticity or genuine concern. When Biden shares personal anecdotes, it unequivocally stems from his emotions, much like on Friday when he mentioned his deceased son Beau’s collaboration with Rep. Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress in the nation. 

In May, Biden’s office disclosed that the former President was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. By October, staff members confirmed Biden had finished a course of radiation treatment. Additionally, he has undergone removal of skin cancer lesions from his hands. On Friday, he seemed pleased to regain public attention, though he also appeared distinctly as the 83-year-old great-grandfather he is. Similar to his time in office, he moved with caution, and his voice occasionally seemed subdued. Yet, he offered warm embraces to the three men who introduced him, as was his custom.

Nevertheless, upon re-entering the political arena that shaped his life for five decades, Biden embraced his persona as an unwavering optimist. “Friends, ours is among the select few nations globally that consistently emerge from every crisis more robust than when we entered it.” Biden hopes his public standing will share a similar trajectory.

Understand the key developments in Washington. .