Tbh I often felt as if the guy was still going because he felt he had to. This somewhat reflects his indecision and even final statements before stepping down. I sincerely believe he felt he was doing the right thing. People who believe they are doing the right thing are often stubborn in their belief and I'm glad he found the strength to step aside. That can't have been easy.
I agree with your assessment. Politicians also live a life where somewhere around half of all people think they are making the wrong decision at all times, so unless they have conviction they flop around way too much to succeed.
Also, for all people who are getting old, it's their first time, and they have no idea what they might seem like to anybody else. It's like you have been getting back up after being knocked down your whole life and suddenly you can't get back up again.
We do bash on older people in politics, and they shouldn't be there past a point. Though like...they remember when things were better. Distanced as they are, the good ones likely see the differences, though from a different perspective to us. How they care is different from what we need and some politicians are becoming aware of that, AOC the modern example.
Stepping aside for Harris was scary for us and probably terrifying for Biden. He stepped up because of Trump, DNC bs aside, it was still his choice. So of course he would struggle to step down. Could you imagine giving a treasonous moron the boot and for the entirety of your time in any big chair you're just watching them gain a larger and larger following, all the while half of the people you're supposed to work with are backing that person blindly? Man, I'd be so fucking anxious and frustrated. Like it or not, that's Biden imho.
I don't think the man ever wanted the job. Despite the naysayers, rabble-rousers, and people whose entire argument centers on hiding behind and screaming about one specific thing over and over, Biden HAS been a good President. Possibly even great in so many ways. I'm not a particular fan of him, the only leader that ever got my full attention has been Bernie, Biden though? He's done good.
Right now though? We need someone strong and clever enough to push past bipartismanship and play hardball. We also need unity. I'm not sure Harris has the natural charisma to pull the Nation together. However, she seems smart and willing to build a powerful team. There is leadership in that wisdom.