Joe Biden says he could have defeated Donald Trump
President Joe Biden expressed confidence that he would have defeated Donald Trump to secure re-election in November, had he remained in the race. However, in an exclusive interview with USA Today, the 82-year-old admitted uncertainty about his ability to endure another four-year term.
“So far, so good,” Biden remarked, before adding, “But who knows what I’ll be like at 86 years old?”
During the wide-ranging discussion with journalist Susan Page, Biden revealed he is still contemplating pre-emptive pardons for several Trump critics, including former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney and ex-health official Dr. Anthony Fauci. He said he had candidly discussed the issue with Trump during an Oval Office meeting following the November election, urging him to avoid revisiting past disputes.
“I tried to make it clear there was no need to settle scores—it was counterproductive to his interests,” Biden said. He noted that Trump largely listened without objection.
Biden also shared that Trump complimented his economic record during the meeting, acknowledging, “He [Trump] thought I was leaving with a good record.”
The interview, published Wednesday, is Biden’s sole exit interview with a print publication. Media access to the president has been tightly controlled by the White House, and Biden has not held a press conference since announcing his decision to drop out of the race on July 21.
Defending his controversial decision to issue a full and unconditional pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, the president stood by his actions despite previously insisting he would not intervene. Hunter Biden faced sentencing for charges of tax evasion and illegally purchasing a firearm.
Challenged on the matter, Biden emphasized his commitment to fairness while maintaining that the pardon was necessary.
This interview sheds light on Biden’s reflections on his presidency, his choices, and his approach to handling political and personal challenges as he prepares to leave office.
the full and unconditional pardon he issued to his son, Hunter Biden, who was facing sentencing for two criminal cases – tax evasion and illegally buying a gun – despite repeatedly insisting he would not do so.
Biden, who first came to Capitol Hill in 1972 as a US senator, drew criticism from his own party over his apparent reluctance to drop out of the presidential race amid concerns over his age and mental acuity.
Speaking to USA Today, Biden said “based on polling” he believed he would have won, but conceded his age may have affected him in office.
“When Trump was running again for re-election, I thought I had the best chance of beating him. But I also wasn’t looking to be president when I was 85 years old, 86 years old,” Biden said. “But I don’t know. Who the hell knows?”
Following Vice-President Kamala Harris’ loss to Trump, high-ranking members of the Democratic party, such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have said the Democrats might have fared better in the election had Biden exited the race sooner.
