For over half a century, Joe Biden's life was a whirlwind of public engagement, bustling with aides, media calls, and ceaseless activity. Richard Ben Cramer’s "What It Takes" paints a vivid picture of this era, depicting a home constantly alive with campaign fervor and strategic bustle. But today, the former president is experiencing a markedly quieter chapter.

Biden now works in Delaware, dedicating hours to crafting his memoir with a new ghostwriter and combating an aggressive prostate cancer. His travels, often via commercial flights, are a far cry from the presidential luxuries of yesteryear. An aide described his lifestyle shift to POLITICO as "very in the wild," noting the drastically reduced footprint of his post-presidential life.

Despite his quieter life, Biden still engages warmly with the public during his travels, often greeted with handshakes and conversations that underscore his lasting appeal outside the political arena. Yet, back in Washington D.C., the narrative is starkly different. His presidency lingers like a shadow over his party, with former advisers frequently called to testify about his cognitive abilities and alleged use of an autopen during his presidency.

The dichotomy of Biden’s existence will be on full display as he addresses the National Bar Association in Chicago, focusing on justice advancement in America. His speech comes amidst ongoing testimonies by his long-standing aide, Mike Donilon, and former aide Steve Ricchetti, defending Biden's legacy against accusations of cognitive decline.

Despite the political storms, Biden's memoir sold for $10 million, though it falls short of the financial successes of memoirs by predecessors like Obama. Furthermore, fundraising efforts for his presidential library reportedly face challenges, though his spokesperson has labeled such claims as “unfair.”

Recent appearances, such as his talk at a human resource conference in San Diego, highlight his ongoing commitment to acknowledging unsung contributions to society. Yet, the political sphere often seems unappreciative of the former president’s contributions or challenges.

Adding to the complexities of his post-presidency are the public appearances of his son, Hunter Biden, whose controversial statements and actions continue to stir the pot. Amidst these personal and political trials, Biden remains dedicated to his writing, no longer with his long-time collaborator Mark Zwonitzer but with a new, undisclosed writer.

This new chapter is not only quieter but also allows for unscripted moments that recall the bustling days of his earlier political life, albeit on a much smaller scale. At a recent Juneteenth event, Biden stayed hours longer than planned, engaging deeply with attendees, showing that while his surroundings have changed, his dedication to connecting with individuals face-to-face endures.

As Joe Biden navigates this less conspicuous phase, it's clear: the former president is still here, albeit surrounded by fewer people, in a chapter that seems closer to the end of a distinguished political journey than to its beginning.

Like this content? Consider signing up for POLITICO's Playbook newsletter.