Biden Doubts Re-election Stamina, Criticizes Trump in Interview/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ In a rare interview with USA Today, outgoing President Joe Biden expressed doubts about his fitness to serve another term but maintained he could have won re-election. Biden also revealed concerns over President-elect Donald Trump targeting political opponents and rolling back climate legislation. The 82-year-old reflected on his presidency, age, and his Oval Office meeting with Trump.
Biden’s Reflections: Quick Looks
- Doubts About Age: Biden questioned his ability to serve into his mid-80s, saying, “Who knows what I’ll be?”
- Re-election Confidence: Biden believed he could have won re-election despite withdrawing after a debate falter.
- Pardon Considerations: Biden is undecided on issuing preemptive pardons to shield individuals from Trump’s potential retribution.
- Oval Office Meeting: Biden advised Trump against settling political scores, but Trump remained noncommittal.
- Climate Concerns: Biden fears Trump will undo key climate legislation passed during his term.
Biden Doubts Re-election Stamina, Criticizes Trump in Interview
Deep Look
In a candid exit interview with USA Today, President Joe Biden reflected on his presidency and the challenges ahead as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office. Just days before leaving the White House, Biden spoke about his doubts regarding his ability to serve another term, his concerns about Trump’s incoming administration, and his own political decisions over the past year.
Fitness to Serve
At 82 years old, Biden acknowledged the challenges of leading at his age and the uncertainties about his future health. “I don’t know,” he admitted when asked if he had the vigor for another four years. While he expressed confidence in his ability to defeat Trump in a re-election bid, he emphasized the toll of serving into his mid-80s, saying, “Who knows what I’m going to be when I’m 86 years old?”
Biden, who dropped out of the 2024 presidential race after a difficult debate against Trump, said he had not originally intended to run in 2020 but felt compelled to do so to stop Trump.
Meeting with Trump
Biden described his Oval Office meeting with Trump as measured but tense.
He advised the president-elect against pursuing political retribution against opponents, calling it “counterintuitive for his interest.” Trump did not commit to Biden’s suggestion, merely listening, Biden said.
The outgoing president is considering preemptive pardons for individuals who could face retribution under Trump but has not made a final decision.
Concerns Over Climate and Truth
Biden highlighted his concerns that Trump might dismantle parts of the Inflation Reduction Act, his landmark 2022 climate legislation. Describing climate action as his “greatest fear” under Trump, Biden stressed the potential setbacks for environmental progress.
He also criticized Trump for spreading misinformation about the recent New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans. Trump had suggested the driver, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was an immigrant from Mexico, though the FBI confirmed Jabbar was a U.S.-born Army veteran from Texas.
Biden lamented that many would believe Trump’s false claim, calling his successor “not known for telling the truth.”
Legacy and Transition
Biden’s reflections come at a pivotal moment, as he transitions power to Trump while facing questions about his own leadership and decisions during his presidency. While Biden noted he could have been re-elected, he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris after withdrawing from the race, though she ultimately lost to Trump.
Biden’s remarks underscore both the challenges of his term and the uncertainty about the direction of the country under Trump’s leadership.
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