Biden still regrets dropping out of 2024 presidential race, believes he could have beaten Trump: report

President Biden’s Regrets and Reflections on Dropping Out of the 2024 Presidential Race

President Biden continues to reflect on his decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race last summer, amid mounting pressure from Democrats. According to a report, the President recently shared his belief that he could have beaten Trump in the November election, despite facing challenges such as a rough debate performance in June and declining approval numbers that ultimately led him to step aside.

Following a pivotal debate on June 27, where Biden’s performance faced criticism, calls for him to withdraw from the race grew louder within the Democratic Party. With diminishing support from donors and a sense that his chances of defeating Trump were waning, President Biden made the difficult decision to exit the race on July 21. He subsequently endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who had a limited timeframe to campaign before the election.

In a surprising turn of events, Trump ultimately secured victory over Harris, winning by a margin of 2.2 million votes. Despite stepping down, President Biden maintains the belief that he could have emerged victorious in the election he chose not to contest.

In a meeting with Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., Biden received feedback regarding his campaign style, with Clyburn highlighting that the President’s approach may not have been well-suited to the current political environment. The emphasis on style versus substance underscored the challenges Biden faced during his campaign.

Biden’s national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, commented on the President’s decision-making process, emphasizing the balance between governing for long-term success and navigating the complexities of midterm and presidential elections. Despite acknowledging his debate performance as a misstep, Biden has also expressed regret over his selection of Merrick Garland as attorney general. Privately, Biden has voiced concerns over Garland’s handling of prosecuting Trump and perceived injustices against his son, Hunter.

As President Biden continues to grapple with his reflections on the 2024 presidential race, his regrets and considerations offer insight into the complexities of political decision-making and the challenges of navigating a competitive electoral landscape. While the President maintains his belief in his ability to have triumphed over Trump, the realities of campaign dynamics and strategic choices continue to shape his retrospective perspective on the race.