In a recent interview with USA Today, President Joe Biden opened up about his reflections on his presidency, his decision not to continue in the presidential race, and his thoughts on the political landscape ahead. Biden expressed confidence that he could have triumphed over President-elect Donald Trump had he remained in the racedespite facing criticism from his party and the public.
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Biden’s Confidence in a Potential Victory
In his interview, Biden stated that he believed he could have achieved what Vice President Kamala Harris could not — defeating Trump in the November election. When asked about this assertion, the 82-year-old said, “It’s presumptuous to say that, but I think yes.”
Despite this confidence, Biden acknowledged the uncertainties of age and health when considering another term. “So far, so good… but who knows what I’m going to be when I’m 86 years old?” he remarked.
Regrets and Reflections
Reports from The Washington Post suggest that Biden regrets stepping down from the race, even in the face of low approval ratings and a challenging debate performance in July. Some of his advisors have also expressed a belief that Biden could have successfully challenged Trump.
Reflecting on his presidency, Biden discussed his time in office, his potential actions during the final weeks, and his interactions with Trump post-election. One of the notable topics was Biden’s consideration of preemptive pardons for anti-Trump figures, including former Rep. Liz Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Advising Trump Against Retaliation
Biden shared insights into his advice to Trump during their meeting, warning against pursuing retaliatory actions against political adversaries. “I tried to make clear that there was no need, and it was counterintuitive for his interest to go back and try to settle scores,” Biden explained.
Trump, according to Biden, appeared to listen but did not offer a definitive response. “He didn’t say, ‘No, I’m going to …’ You know. He didn’t reinforce it. He just basically listened,” Biden said.
Legacy and Final Weeks
As Biden’s presidency draws to a close, he seems intent on shaping his legacy through select interviews. Known for limited media engagement during his term, Biden has now chosen to discuss his administration’s accomplishments and challenges, aiming to leave a lasting impression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Joe Biden express regret about not running for re-election?
Yes, reports suggest that Biden regrets stepping down from the race, believing he could have defeated Trump despite his low approval ratings and earlier challenges.
What did Biden say about his ability to serve another term?
Biden acknowledged uncertainties about his age and health, stating, “So far, so good… but who knows what I’m going to be when I’m 86 years old?”
What preemptive pardons did Biden consider?
Biden mentioned considering preemptive pardons for figures like former Rep. Liz Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci, indicating that the decision would depend partly on Trump’s appointments.
What advice did Biden offer Trump?
Biden advised Trump against retaliatory actions, emphasizing that settling scores would not serve Trump’s interests.
How has Biden approached shaping his legacy?
Biden has chosen to engage in select media interviews to reflect on his presidency and discuss his perspectives, aiming to influence how his legacy is perceived.
Conclusion
President Joe Biden’s reflections on his presidency and decision not to run for re-election provide a glimpse into his thought process and priorities during his final weeks in office. While he remains confident in his ability to win against Trump, Biden’s acknowledgment of age-related uncertainties and his efforts to shape his legacy signal a leader grappling with the complexities of his tenure. As he prepares to pass the baton, Biden’s remarks highlight both his challenges and his aspirations for the nation’s future.