In a recent interview with USA Today, President Joe Biden expressed confidence that he could have defeated former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election if he had stayed in the race.
The 82-year-old Democrat, who is set to leave office on January 20, stated that he believed he had the best chance of winning, citing unspecified polling as a key factor in his optimism.
However, Biden acknowledged his uncertainty about serving another full term, noting that he was not keen on remaining president at the age of 85 or 86.
When asked about his decision to not run for reelection, Biden explained that he had considered passing the baton to a new generation, though he admitted that predicting the future was impossible.
“So far, so good, but who knows what I’ll be like when I’m 86?” he said.
Biden’s remarks come after his presidency was marked by increasing concerns about his mental fitness, especially after a difficult debate with Trump in 2020.
The president has also faced criticism for his limited press engagement compared to previous administrations, with his upcoming one-on-one interview with USA Today being one of his few sit-downs with the media since taking office.
Reflecting on his time in office, Biden discussed frustrations over misinformation, particularly regarding attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas that were widely misrepresented, and the slow progress on infrastructure projects.
“We would’ve been a hell of a lot better off if we had moved faster on some of these projects,” he admitted.
Biden also touched on the ongoing discussions surrounding potential pardons for individuals who may be targeted by Trump if he returns to the White House, confirming that he had considered the idea but had not yet reached a decision.
Regarding his legacy, Biden said he hoped history would remember him for restoring the economy post-pandemic and reaffirming America’s leadership on the global stage.
“I hope history will show that I did it with honesty and integrity,” he concluded.
