President Joe Biden is facing criticism just before leaving office after asserting that he "would have beaten" President-elect Donald Trump in the 2024 election.
Why It Matters
Biden stepped down as the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee in July after facing mounting scrutiny and pressure, particularly after a poorly received televised debate with Trump the previous month. Some Democrats are questioning the decision to replace Biden with Vice President Kamala Harris, who ultimately lost every key battleground state to Trump. Others suggest Biden's performance would have been even worse.
What To Know
During a news conference at the White House on Friday, Biden was asked whether he regretted his "decision to run for reelection" or if the switch to Harris had made it easier for Trump to win. Biden replied, "I don't think so. I think I would have beaten Trump, could have beaten Trump. And I think Kamala could have beaten Trump and would have beaten Trump. It wasn't about... I thought it was important to unify the party."
He continued, "When the party was worried about whether or not I was gonna be able to move, even though I thought I could win again, I thought it was better to unify the party."
Biden made similar statements in a USA Today interview published Wednesday, confirming that he believed he could have defeated Trump again, although he admitted uncertainty about having the energy to complete a second term.
What People Are Saying
Former Trump adviser Steve Cortes reacted on X (formerly Twitter), writing, "Wow. Joe Biden's completely lost it."
Political commentator Meghan McCain, daughter of the late Senator John McCain, called Biden's comments "pathetic" on X, urging him to stop.
Progressive commentator Jack Cocchiarella tweeted, "Kamala saved your legacy, please stop saying this. Please please please stop talking."
Cenk Uygur, co-host of The Young Turks, criticized Biden's remarks on X: "1. Biden says he would have beaten Trump. 2. He also said, 'Who the hell knows?' about finishing a second term. 3. His approval rating is at an astonishing -35%. Trump's first term was seen as disastrous at -4%. 4. Biden is mental."
What Happens Next
Biden will officially leave office on January 20, when Trump is inaugurated for his second and final term. Biden remains the only politician—Democrat or Republican—to have defeated Trump in an election.
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