'I don't feel tired, I feel inspired' On the campaign trail with Biden

The fact is that this election, a lot is at stake," said Joe Biden, collar unbuttoned, mic in hand, watched by about 50 guests at tables dotted with small US flags at Mary Mac's Tea Room in downtown Atlanta.

- David Smith

"It's not about me. It's about the alternative as well."

The off-the-cuff remark was telling. After more than half a century in national politics, Joe Biden's final campaign is defined not by his own record but by his opponent: Donald Trump. The outcome of November's presidential election will decide whether he is remembered as the man who saved democracy twice - or as a mere interregnum in the onward march of Trumpism.

The Guardian spent a weekend with Biden on the campaign trail, shuttling from swing state to swing state on Air Force One and in presidential motorcades, from small gatherings of supporters to flashy receptions for big money donors. It observed a candidate struggling to articulate an inspiring vision for a second term and recapture the kind of enthusiasm that Barack Obama once generated, but galvanised by the dire threat that Trump poses to his legacy.

Biden understands that his long and storied career could yet end in failure. Surveys suggest that he is less popular than other members of his own party. Last week a swing-state opinion poll from the New York Times and Siena College found a generic Democratic Senate candidate led a generic Republican by five points, while Biden trailed Trump by six points.

Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Ruben Gallego of Arizona, Bob Casey of Pennsylvania and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin were doing 14, 11, eight and seven points better than Biden in their respective states.

Other polls have similar findings that may tempt candidates to keep Biden at arm's length. Senator Jon Tester of Montana has already run an ad that says he "fought to stop President Biden from letting migrants stay in America instead of remain in Mexico".