Biden’s Next Chapter: Returning Home to Delaware After the White House
For President Joe Biden, “home” has always meant two places: Delaware and Ireland. When he leaves the White House next year, it’s Delaware where he’ll return. Some of his supporters in the state are frustrated over how he lost his bid for a second term, while others see his age as a factor that made stepping aside the right choice. Even those who support him acknowledge that at 81, a grueling campaign could have been too much.
Local resident Kathy Magner, whose father worked with Biden’s dad, feels he can now focus on enjoying his time post-presidency. “He did the best he could,” she reflects. Kathy, a community figure in Wilmington, helps manage the Limestone Presbyterian Church, where one of her roles includes putting meaningful messages on a sign outside the church. This month, just days before the election showdown between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the sign reads: ‘Hate never solves problems. It creates them.’
This message reflects the growing political divides across the country, which are even impacting church congregations. “We have family members who don’t speak anymore because of their political views,” Kathy shares. She even mentions her own strained relationship with a sister-in-law. “It’s just too hard to talk without ending up in a shouting match,” she says.
The church has played a role in helping others find common ground. Last year, Limestone Presbyterian welcomed young Christians from Northern Ireland as part of a cross-community project aimed at bridging divisions. Reverend Tim Bostick, the church’s pastor, found hope in these exchanges. Inspired by the Ulster Project, a program that helped foster understanding between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland, he believes Americans could benefit from similar efforts. “We need more of that,” he says.
But not all in Wilmington feel optimistic. At the train station named after President Biden, a Trump supporter didn’t hesitate to criticize him, summarizing Biden’s presidency with two harsh words: “His senility.”
Despite these mixed views, Biden remains beloved in Delaware, where he’s a familiar figure around town. One of his favorite spots is the Charcoal Pit diner, a 1950s-themed eatery with a wall dedicated to photos of Biden and former President Obama. Chef Lupe Avilez, who has known Biden for years, describes him as warm and down-to-earth. “He talks like he’s known you forever,” Lupe shares, adding that Biden’s usual order includes cheesesteaks, cheeseburgers, and a thick black-and-white milkshake with extra ice cream.
Biden’s love for Ireland is also well-known. Lupe’s wife, Mary, mentions a local friend who recently visited the Oval Office, where Biden keeps a signed rugby ball and an album of photos from his trips to Ireland. “It’s clear Ireland holds a special place in his heart,” she says.
Ireland has played a political role in Biden’s presidency as well. His recent trip there underscored his personal connection and his political support for peace in Northern Ireland. Biden even appointed Joe Kennedy III as his special economic envoy, hoping to boost transatlantic investments. Yet, with Biden’s term ending, it’s unclear how much priority Ireland will have in the next administration, whether under Trump or Harris.
Once, Irish-American voters held sway in U.S. elections. Today, the focus has shifted to Black, Latino, and other demographics. Still, Mary Avilez believes relationships with countries like Ireland remain essential. “We need connections with other nations,” she insists, though many feel that America’s recent focus has turned inward.
As Biden prepares to return to Delaware, his legacy as both a hometown hero and a president who cared deeply about his roots will likely resonate in the community he calls home.
