As the debate over presidential presence heats up, President Joe Biden enjoyed a beach day near his Rehoboth vacation home with First Lady Jill Biden and others, marking his first public appearance in three days.

During his two-week vacation, President Biden continues to handle presidential duties, including engaging in important international communications, Mail Online reported.

On a sunny day in Rehoboth, Delaware, President Biden, along with his wife, Jill Biden, her two sisters, and senior adviser Anthony Bernal, was seen relaxing under two blue umbrellas. This beach outing, coming on the ninth day of his vacation, showed the President balancing leisure and work, evidenced by a blue bag and a folder of papers he brought along.

President's Work Continues Amid Vacation

The President's vacation began with a week-long stay at an expansive 8,000-acre ranch in Santa Ynez, California, after which he arrived in Rehoboth Beach. Joe Kiani, a major Democratic donor and family friend, owns Biden's retreat in California, known as the 'Kiani Preserve.' It features a vineyard that produces renowned wines such as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Critics often target the President for the time he spends away from the White House, but his office quickly points out that presidential duties never pause. According to the National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby, Biden has been active during his vacation, maintaining communications with international leaders like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Biden's Active Role Highlighted by Aides

"The president is on vacation, but you can never unplug from a job like that. Nor does he try to," Kirby emphasized, indicating the ongoing nature of Biden's presidential responsibilities. He further added, "He's very much in command," underscoring the active management from even remote locations.

President Biden’s travel plans include leaving Rehoboth for Pittsburgh to join Vice President Kamala Harris at a campaign event, demonstrating his continued involvement in Democratic party activities. After Pittsburgh, Biden will visit Wisconsin, a key battleground state, to discuss efforts to reduce living costs for Americans.

Comparative Presidential Vacations

Biden's approach to vacations contrasts notably with his predecessors. His presidential travel to Delaware has summed up to 114 visits spanning 328 days, which is more compared to former President Donald Trump’s tally at a similar point in his presidency. This comparison often comes up in discussions about presidential time spent outside the White House.

Before his current vacation, Biden spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, addressing the nation and reiterating his commitment to his presidential duties. "Over the next six months, I'll be focused on doing my job as president," Biden declared in his July 24 Oval Office address, just days before withdrawing from the race over concerns regarding his mental capabilities following a debate with Donald Trump.

White House Defends Presidential Vacation

The White House has been firm in defending Biden’s vacation time, asserting that the President continues to manage national and international affairs no matter his location actively. This stance aims to reassure the public and critics that governance remains uninterrupted.

Beachgoers waved at the President during his recent public outing, a moment that underscored the President's popularity among some segments of the public despite the ongoing debates over his handling of presidential duties while on vacation.

In summary, President Biden’s current vacation is a blend of relaxation and relentless work, balancing beachside leisure with the weighty responsibilities of the U.S. presidency, an equilibrium that he seems determined to maintain.