Biden departs reluctantly believing that he still had more to offer and more to accomplish though he’s uncertain whether his health and energy would have allowed him to continue. He leaves with a record of significant achievements but also with lingering resentment over the way his presidency unfolded. Many of his former allies have distanced themselves from him and there are those in his party who blame him for paving the way for Donald Trump’s return to power. His relationship with Vice President Kamala Harris his successor on the ticket is also strained.

The capital city Biden is leaving behind is now the domain of his political rival Trump whose return to Washington is the very scenario Biden had hoped to prevent. Instead of being remembered as the statesman who defeated Trump once and for all Biden will be seen as an interim president between two administrations led by a man he once called a fascist and a threat to democracy.

Biden’s single term was filled with major events. He navigated the country through a generation-defining pandemic though the economic fallout including inflation hampered the national mood. He ended harsh immigration policies but was forced to reinstate some as the situation at the southern border became unmanageable. His decision to end the war in Afghanistan while historic was marred by a chaotic and deadly withdrawal which raised questions about his leadership. On the international stage Biden’s efforts to rebuild U.S. alliances were tested by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and a ceasefire agreement in Gaza at the end of his term was a notable but complicated success.

Despite these challenges Biden is focused on his legacy. He hopes history will remember the long-term positive impact of the policies he put in place even though the full benefits may not be felt for years to come. In his farewell address, Biden stressed that the work he and his administration started would continue even after his departure.

Biden’s presidency has been a blend of accomplishments and frustrations especially when it comes to communication. He has expressed disappointment over not receiving enough recognition for his achievements and has been vocal about what he feels was a failure to properly tell the story of his presidency. His mood has swung between nostalgia for the past and frustration over what he perceives as missed opportunities to solidify his legacy.

Many of Biden's allies argue that history will judge him more favorably as the long-term impact of his policies becomes clear. Historians are going to focus on substance said Rep. Jim Clyburn and on that front, Biden will be treated very well.

However some of Biden's own actions and choices during his presidency have come under scrutiny especially when it comes to his communication and his decision to run for re-election despite concerns about his age. His relationship with Vice President Harris has also been complicated especially after Biden suggested he might have defeated Trump had he not been pushed aside by party leaders. His comments about the election while not openly critical of Harris, have caused some tension between the two.

Looking forward Biden plans to stay active focusing on writing a book and building a presidential library. He is determined not to fade from public view though it remains to be seen how he will continue to shape the political landscape in the years ahead.

For Harris the future looks different. While some believe her political career isn’t over the next few years will be pivotal in deciding whether she pursues a new role, possibly as governor of California or as a presidential candidate in 2028. I’m not going quietly into the night she told her staff indicating she intends to remain a key figure in American politics for years to come.