US President Joe Biden expressed confidence that he could have defeated Donald Trump in the 2024 election but acknowledged uncertainty about his stamina for another four-year term.
In an exclusive interview with USA Today, Biden, 82, stated, “So far, so good,” but added, “who knows what I’m going to be when I’m 86 years old?”
Biden also discussed potential pre-emptive pardons for Trump’s opponents, including former congresswoman Liz Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci, noting that he had discussed this with Trump during their post-election meeting. While Trump did not oppose the idea, Biden said the final decision would depend on Trump’s cabinet choices.
Additionally, Biden addressed the full pardon granted to his son, Hunter Biden, for tax evasion and gun charges, defending his actions despite previous statements to the contrary.
In the interview, Biden also reflected on his relationship with Trump, saying the former president was “complimentary” about his economic record. This interview with USA Today is Biden’s only exit interview with a print publication, as media access has been limited during his presidency.
Speaking to USA Today, Biden said “based on polling” he believed he would have won, but conceded his age may have affected him in office.
“When Trump was running again for re-election, I thought I had the best chance of beating him. But I also wasn’t looking to be president when I was 85 years old, 86 years old,” Biden said. “But I don’t know. Who the hell knows?”
Following Vice-President Kamala Harris’ loss to Trump, high-ranking members of the Democratic party, such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have said the Democrats might have fared better in the election had Biden exited the race sooner.
