Biden is adjusting to a new reality, coming to terms with his departure from 2024 race

WASHINGTON (AP) — It was President Joe Biden's first public appearance since he dropped out of the race, and the applause for him from the crowded auditorium in Austin, Texas, just kept going. He put his hand on his heart in thanks, looked down and, for the briefest of moments, took it all in.

The ovation on Monday was most certainly not for the stated topic of his speech but for what had come before — Biden's decision to step aside in the 2024 race and throw his support behind his vice president.

Not to say it's been easy for him. Ten days since ending his reelection campaign, Biden still is coming to terms with the political whiplash that he — and the country — have experienced.

Privately, the Democratic president is smarting over those who orchestrated the abrupt end of his 50-year political career and processing a mixture of emotions — bitterness and regret among them, but also relief at not having to run a grueling race against Republican Donald Trump. Nor will Biden have to confront the risk of what his potential loss might have done do his legacy and the country.