President Joe Biden has privately expressed deep regret over his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, reportedly asserting in conversations with close aides that he could have defeated President-elect Donald Trump if he had stayed in the race.
A Tough Decision
Biden’s decision to step aside in July 2024 came after months of pressure from Democratic Party leaders concerned about his declining approval ratings and public performance. Sources close to the president have revealed that Biden now believes he may have made a mistake, as he sees Trump’s victory as avoidable.
In the months leading up to his withdrawal, Biden faced mounting criticism following a series of gaffes and a widely criticized debate performance in June. These moments, combined with internal party polling showing Vice President Kamala Harris as a stronger general election contender, led senior Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, to push for Biden’s exit.
Reflecting on the Race
After stepping aside, Biden endorsed Harris as the Democratic nominee, but her campaign struggled to gain traction against Trump. Biden reportedly told confidants, “If I had stayed in the race, I could’ve beaten him.”
In public statements, Biden has hinted at his confidence in his potential to win. In a September interview on The View, he said, “I think I could have won. I know what it takes to beat Trump because I’ve done it before.”
Party Divisions
Biden’s withdrawal and its aftermath have left divisions within the Democratic Party. Some party insiders believe that if Biden had exited earlier, it would have given Harris more time to solidify her campaign and counter Trump’s momentum. Others argue that Biden’s continued presence in the early months of 2024 weakened the party’s overall strategy.
“There’s no doubt the party was in a difficult spot,” one senior Democratic strategist said. “Biden stepping aside late hurt Kamala Harris, but the bigger issue was a lack of a unified message against Trump.”
Biden’s Legacy
As he prepares to leave office, Biden faces the challenge of solidifying his legacy amid the shadow of Trump’s return. Despite major legislative accomplishments during his first two years, including the infrastructure bill and pandemic relief measures, Biden’s term is now being viewed by some as a bridge between Trump’s presidencies.
Biden’s allies argue that his presidency brought stability to a tumultuous political climate, even as others within the party critique his leadership for failing to stop Trump’s resurgence.
Looking Ahead
The president is spending his final weeks in office reflecting on his tenure and preparing for the transition. While Biden has not commented directly on his regrets, insiders suggest he is determined to frame his administration’s achievements as a counterpoint to Trump’s impending second term.
The fallout from Biden’s 2024 decision underscores the challenges facing the Democratic Party as it looks to rebuild and regroup in the wake of a disappointing election. The question remains whether Biden’s withdrawal will be remembered as a necessary sacrifice or a misstep that changed the course of history.