CUE THE WORLD’S SMALLEST VIOLIN: Joe Biden Is Struggling to Cash In on His Presidency.

Biden, 82 years old, is charting a postpresidency that is less lucrative than what he’d expected when he left office. Options for big jobs are limited by his advanced age, his unpopularity in Democratic circles and companies—concerned about retribution from President Trump—that aren’t offering speaking gigs. His own allies have grown critical of his presidency, most recently former Vice President Kamala Harris, who in a new book says the Democratic Party was reckless to allow Biden to run a second time.

The result for Biden is a leaner next chapter that lacks the well-funded foundations, plans for exquisite libraries and full calendar of paid speeches his peers enjoyed.

Instead of private jets, Biden has been spotted with a book on his lap in the first-class cabin of American Airlines flights or (talking) aboard Amtrak’s quiet car. Paid speaking appearances can range from $300,000 to $500,000, people briefed on the matter said. Takers are limited, and at least one organization tried to negotiate below that range, some of the people said.

Still: “A roughly $10 million book deal will give the former president a major financial boost.”

One more thing: “If the family sticks to a modest-for-the-powerful lifestyle, “it’ll be fine,” the person familiar with their finances said. Others in the Biden orbit note that the family has a taste for a more lavish lifestyle, particularly if others are paying.”

That’s how they’ve always lived.