On a sunny Saturday afternoon, August 10, President Joe Biden found himself under the spotlight—but not for his political decisions. Instead, it was his choice to take a brief respite on the sandy shores of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, that caught the attention of critics and supporters alike. With the backdrop of a looming presidential race and various global issues, Biden’s beach day quickly became a point of contention.
Rehoboth Beach, a cherished getaway for the Biden family, was where the 46th President of the United States decided to unwind over the weekend. With his feet kicked up and a beach umbrella providing shade, Biden appeared to be enjoying some well-deserved relaxation. However, the tranquility of the scene was soon overshadowed by a wave of criticism on social media.
As videos of Biden’s beach outing surfaced, the reaction was swift and divided. Conservatives and critics were quick to question the timing of the president’s vacation, with some accusing him of shirking his responsibilities during a crucial period.
The RNC Research wrote in a post on platform X, “Biden- who held just one public event this week- is currently lounging on the beach in Delaware. He has spent 40% of his entire presidency on vacation. Who is running the country?”
This line of criticism has become increasingly common since Biden announced he would not be seeking re-election in 2024. Congressional Republicans have used this decision as a springboard to demand his resignation, arguing that if Biden isn’t fit to run for another term, he isn’t fit to serve as president. The beach day only added fuel to their fire, with some accusing Biden of being “checked out” as his presidency winds down.
Despite the backlash, it’s important to note that Biden’s affection for Rehoboth Beach is no secret. The president has long been known to cherish his time by the ocean, and this weekend was no different. Yet, rather than seeing this as a moment of calm before the storm of the Democratic National Convention in two weeks, many online commentators expressed frustration.
In the meantime, Vice President Kamala Harris, along with her running mate Tim Walz, was on the campaign trail, actively engaging with voters across the American Heartland. The contrast between Harris’s bustling schedule and Biden’s quiet beach day was not lost on critics. “While Kamala is out there working, Joe’s kicking back at the beach. What does that say about the current state of the administration?” another user on X questioned.
The tension surrounding Biden’s public appearances—or lack thereof—has been a recurring theme in recent months. With his decision not to run in 2024, every action, or inaction, is being scrutinized under a magnifying glass. Supporters argue that the president is simply taking a well-deserved break after years of service, while detractors see it as a sign of disengagement.
One thing is certain: Biden’s beach day, though seemingly uneventful, has sparked a broader conversation about his role as president in the final months of his term. As the Democratic National Convention approaches, all eyes will be on Biden to see how he navigates the remainder of his presidency. For now, it seems Biden is content to enjoy a quiet moment by the sea, even if it means weathering a storm of criticism.