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The light public schedule reflects the unique position of his campaign, advisers say: With near universal name recognition and high favourability ratings among Democrats, the former vice president does not need to introduce himself to voters like nearly every other candidate. And as the leader in early polls, he can attract media attention without splashy events.

But there are risks. Voters in the early primary states — especially Iowa, with its caucus system that rewards on-the-ground organizing — want to see the candidates personally and often. And there is the danger that Biden’s schedule could reinforce a word President Donald Trump is already using to describe his candidacy: sleepy.

Biden’s campaign says that’s not going to happen. “I have zero worry that any voter will leave a Joe Biden event with doubts about his energy,” said Kate Bedingfield, his deputy campaign manager. “They’re going to see it everywhere he goes.”

I have zero worry that any voter will leave a Joe Biden event with doubts about his energy

Biden spends 30 minutes to an hour greeting voters on a rope line after his public events, Bedingfield said.

But after a short burst of activity in the early primary states, his schedule the past two weeks or so has mostly involved fundraisers, which — while publicly announced and attended by a pool reporter — are far different from open campaign events.

It’s not clear how long Biden can continue to limit his public exposure in this way. The first Democratic debate is June 26 and 27, and Biden will share the stage with nine rivals and a moderator, each eager to press him on his positions and record. Other debates follow, while influential groups ranging from labor unions to ethnic organizations are hosting multicandidate events and may not take kindly to being skipped.