Harris and Biden to campaign together for the first time since Harris left presidential race.

Next week, Vice President Harris and President Biden will embark on their first joint campaign trip since he withdrew from the 2024 presidential race, as announced by the White House on Friday morning.

Their upcoming journey to Maryland on Thursday aims to highlight the progress they are making in lowering costs for the American people, particularly in the face of lingering concerns around inflation that continue to pose a challenge for Democrats leading up to November’s election.

Since assuming the top spot on the Democratic ticket following Mr. Biden’s exit from the race after a contentious debate with former President Donald Trump, Vice President Harris has ignited enthusiasm within the party. As the first female, Black, and South Asian vice president in U.S. history, Harris has energized crowds at packed rallies, shattered fundraising records, and closed the gap in polls against Trump.

Meanwhile, President Biden has maintained a relatively low profile with limited public appearances as his presidency winds down towards its conclusion. Despite being in the final months of his term, Mr. Biden seems eager to cement his legacy and offer support to the new Democratic ticket, particularly in aiding Harris’s campaign against Trump.

Notably, Vice President Harris accompanied Mr. Biden in a significant moment as they welcomed home U.S. reporter Evan Gershkovich and other detainees in a prisoner swap with Russia. Politico has reported Harris’s desire for Biden’s backing in pivotal battleground states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, where he continues to hold popularity among older white voters. However, President Biden intends to keep the focus on Harris, with plans for a limited campaign schedule in the coming months.

Additionally, President Biden has recently addressed concerns about potential unrest following the 2024 election, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful transfer of power. As the clock ticks on his presidency, Biden is also prioritizing efforts to broker a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, a contentious issue within the Democratic party.

To facilitate progress in the Middle East, Mr. Biden, along with leaders from Egypt and Qatar, has invited the conflicting parties to resume talks on August 15, the same day as his anticipated joint appearance with Vice President Harris. The president and Harris have participated in high-level discussions in the Situation Room earlier this week to address the ongoing crisis.

The upcoming campaign trip signifies a pivotal moment for President Biden and Vice President Harris as they navigate the political landscape in the lead-up to the elections. With the shared goal of advancing their agenda and securing a successful outcome in November, the duo’s joint efforts reflect a commitment to driving change and addressing key issues facing the American people.