Former President Biden is still dealing with the repercussions of his decision to exit the 2024 presidential race.
According to Fox News, He has expressed regret over withdrawing and revealed his continued belief that he could have defeated Donald Trump.
The former President faced intense pressures leading up to his decision to withdraw. These pressures stemmed from declining donor support and growing insistence from Democrats who believed his campaign needed a new direction.
Despite the odds, Biden remained confident in his ability to win. Even after endorsing his Vice President, Kamala Harris, who ultimately lost to Trump by a margin of 2.2 million votes, Biden's belief in his capabilities did not waver.
His withdrawal came after a disappointing debate performance on June 27 and amid worsening approval ratings. In the days following the debate, calls for Biden to step down grew louder within his party, stressing an imminent need for change.
On July 21, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, giving her just over three months to campaign before the November election.
Despite a compacted campaign timeline, Biden conveyed his support without holding her responsible for the loss.
"Your style does not lend itself well to the environment we're currently in," said Representative James Clyburn, advising Biden on his campaign's approach amidst a rapidly changing political climate.
Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security advisor, distinguished between Biden's long-term governance goals and the necessities of immediate political strategizing. "How to govern at this moment to set the U.S. up for long-term success has one answer, and how to govern to deal with midterm and presidential elections in the very short-term might have a different answer," he explained.
"The president went with doing the things that put America in a strong position," Sullivan added, supporting Biden's focus on enduring strategic initiatives over transient political gains. This approach underscored Biden's dedication to what he perceived as the nation's best interests, even if they clashed with short-term electoral tactics.
Despite stepping out of the race, Biden carries with him a sense of missed opportunity, encapsulated by his straightforward assertion, "I could have beaten Trump." Such a statement not only expresses his regret but also his unwavering confidence in the political instincts that guided much of his career.
Throughout his reflections, Biden has remained careful to focus criticism on decisions and strategies rather than individuals, particularly avoiding shifting any blame onto Harris, who had less than four months to mount a challenge against Trump.
In sum, Joe Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 Presidential race was marked by an array of pressures and strategic decisions influenced by both internal party dynamics and personal reflections on governance and policy. Despite endorsing Kamala Harris and stepping back, Biden continues to reflect on what might have been, firmly believing in his potential to have changed the election's outcome.
