Biden Reflects on Stepping Down and His Legacy: ‘I Was Confident I Could Beat Trump’
( Image: AFP via Getty Images)
In a recent appearance on The View, President Joe Biden gave a candid, albeit hesitant, response when asked about his decision to step down as the Democratic nominee for the 2024 election. Co-host Alyssa Farah inquired about Biden’s relationship with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and whether she had influenced his decision to forgo a second term.
“Did you feel that your hand was forced, and what is your relationship with Speaker Pelosi now?” Farah asked. Biden, who has faced calls from within his party to step aside, responded by dismissing any notion that Pelosi had pressured him to leave the top of the ticket.
“My relationship is fine,” Biden replied. “I never fully believed there was this overwhelming reluctance to my running again. I didn’t sense that. Although the polling said otherwise, my polling was about always within the range of beating the guy.”
Biden insisted that his decision was his own and not due to pressure from party insiders, adding, “There were some folks who wanted to see me step aside so they have a chance to move on. I get that. That’s human nature. But that wasn’t the reason I stepped down.”
Despite his decision to step aside, Biden remained confident that he could have won a rematch against Donald Trump. “I was confident I would beat Trump. He’s a loser,” he said, underscoring his belief that he was still a strong contender.
Biden’s decision to withdraw came after his widely criticized debate performance against Trump in June 2023, where he struggled with his words and appeared to lose focus at times. However, Biden reiterated that this was not the driving force behind his decision to step down, and he poked fun at his age during the interview. “I know I only look 40, but I’m 180 years old,” he joked, lightheartedly acknowledging his longevity in politics.
The president also took time to praise Vice President Kamala Harris, who will now lead the Democratic ticket. “She is bright, she is tough, she’s honorable,” Biden said. “We both have an optimistic view of the future, and there isn’t anything we can’t do.”
Biden’s appearance on The View comes shortly after his final speech as president at the United Nations, where he urged world leaders to unite amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. As he prepares to leave office, Biden’s focus remains on the future, both for the nation and the party.
