In an interview with USA Today, President Biden expressed his belief that he could have triumphed over President-elect Trump had he continued with his reelection campaign. When questioned by reporter Susan Page about his chances, he remarked, “It’s presumptuous to say that, but I think yes.”
He justified his perspective by referencing polling data he reviewed, although he did not specify the sources of that information. At the time Biden exited the 2024 race in late July, he lagged behind Trump in both national and battleground polls, while Vice President Harris appeared to have a stronger position against Trump after assuming the ticket.
Biden’s decision to withdraw was influenced by mounting pressure from fellow Democrats, particularly after a disappointing debate performance against Trump that sparked concerns regarding his age and mental acuity.
During the interview, he conveyed uncertainty about whether he possessed the stamina for another four-year term, responding to Page’s inquiry about his vigor with, “I don’t know.”
He noted, “So far, so good… but who knows what I’m going to be when I’m 86 years old?” Upon stepping aside, Biden endorsed Harris, who ultimately suffered a defeat to Trump in November.
Reflecting on his past, Biden recounted that he had not planned to run for president in 2020, but felt he was in a prime position to defeat Trump when he entered the race. “I also wasn’t looking to be president when I was 85 years old, 86 years old,” he stated.
He mentioned having discussed the idea of passing the baton to a younger generation of Democratic leaders. Although he claimed to be a “bridge candidate” during his 2020 campaign, Biden’s subsequent announcement of his reelection bid in April 2023 contradicted that notion.
As he prepares to leave office later this month with Trump’s inauguration, his legacy will reflect his failure to uphold that promise, which led to Harris initiating a campaign lasting just over 100 days. At the same time, the Democratic Party is actively working to recover after a sweeping victory for Republicans in November.
