Biden Regrets Leaving Race, Believes He Could Have Defeated Trump
In a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden has reportedly expressed regrets about his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, believing he could have triumphed over President-elect Donald Trump. Sources close to the situation shared with The Washington Post that Biden confided in confidantes about feeling pressured by the Democratic Party to step aside back in July, following a lackluster debate performance and disappointing poll numbers.
Biden’s withdrawal came after a debate on June 27, where he struggled to articulate his thoughts, leaving many voters questioning his readiness for a second term. Despite this, Biden and some of his aides now feel that he should have stayed in the race, confident that he could have secured a second term against Trump. Interestingly, Biden has not placed any blame on Vice President Kamala Harris, who took up the Democratic mantle and ultimately lost to Trump in the general election.
Pressure from the Party
In an August interview with CBS News, Biden hinted at the pressure he faced from party leaders concerned about their own reelection prospects. This sentiment was echoed in a September appearance on The View, where he expressed confidence in his ability to defeat Trump. However, many Democrats believe that Biden’s decision to run again contradicted his earlier promise of being a transitional president, paving the way for a new generation of leadership.
Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) articulated this concern, stating, “Biden ran on the promise that he was going to be a transitional president… I think his running again broke that concept.” The idea was that Biden would help dismantle Trumpism and usher in a new era, but his candidacy complicated that narrative.
A Disconnect in Political Timing
Biden’s governing style has often been described as long-term, focusing on decades of progress rather than the immediate political cycle of four years. Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security adviser, pointed out this disconnect, suggesting that while the president has been looking at the bigger picture, the political landscape demands a more immediate approach.
Acknowledging Mistakes
In recent discussions, Biden has also acknowledged several missteps during his presidency, including his debate performance and the handling of pandemic relief checks. His team believes that they could have done more to boost public morale during the pandemic, a sentiment that resonates with many Americans who felt the weight of the crisis.
Dissatisfaction with Legal Proceedings
Adding to the complexity of his presidency, Biden has reportedly voiced dissatisfaction with Attorney General Merrick Garland. He feels that Garland was too aggressive in prosecuting his son, Hunter Biden, while being too slow in pursuing charges against Trump related to the January 6th riots—charges that were ultimately dismissed.
As Biden reflects on his presidency and the recent election, it’s clear that the political landscape is ever-evolving. His regrets about stepping back from the race reveal a deeper struggle within the Democratic Party to balance the past with the future, and the ongoing challenge of addressing the Trump legacy. Whether these reflections will influence Biden’s future decisions remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the political drama in the U.S. is far from over.
