Biden on 2024 Presidential Race: Stepping Aside to Protect Democracy from Trump

President Joe Biden, in his first interview since announcing his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, shared that his decision was driven by a deep concern for the state of American democracy and the urgent need to prevent former President Donald Trump from returning to the White House.

Speaking with CBS News’ Robert Costa, Biden emphasized that his move was motivated by a desire to allow the Democratic Party to focus entirely on what he believes is a critical mission: safeguarding the nation’s democratic institutions.

Biden’s Decision to Withdraw

Biden revealed that his decision, made at his family home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, came after careful consideration and discussions with his closest advisors and family.

The president acknowledged that while polls indicated a tight race, concerns from Democratic colleagues about his impact on down-ballot races played a significant role in his choice.

“The polls showed it was a neck-and-neck race,” Biden stated. “But my Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate were worried that my candidacy might hurt their chances. I didn’t want to be a distraction.”

The President also reflected on his role as a “transition president,” noting that while he had originally seen his presidency as a bridge to the future, he felt it was time to pass the baton to a new generation of leaders.

Defending Democracy

Throughout the interview, Biden reiterated his belief that the most pressing issue facing the country is the preservation of its democratic system.

He stressed that his decision to step aside was rooted in his commitment to ensuring that Trump does not regain the presidency.

“I thought it was important,” Biden said. “Because, although it’s a great honor being president, I think I have an obligation to the country to do what is most important – and that is, we must defeat Trump.”

The President’s concerns are deeply personal, as he recalled the events that led him to run for president in 2020. The 2017 white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, and Trump’s controversial response to it, were pivotal moments that convinced Biden that he needed to run to protect the nation’s core values.

“When Trump said there were ‘very fine people on both sides,’ I knew I had to do something,” Biden explained. “Democracy was literally at stake.”

Looking Forward: Biden’s Concerns for the Future

As the 2024 election looms, Biden expressed serious concerns about the potential consequences of a Trump victory.

He warned that a second Trump term could further erode democratic norms and institutions, pointing to Trump’s rhetoric following the January 6th attack on the Capitol as evidence of the former president’s disregard for the rule of law.

“If Trump wins … I mean, if Trump loses, I’m not confident at all [that there would be a peaceful transfer of power],” he cautioned. “We don’t take him seriously enough. He means what he says.”

Biden also touched on the broader implications of the upcoming election, describing it as a critical juncture in world history.

He stressed that the decisions made in the next few years will have long-lasting effects on the global order and the future of democracy.

“We’re at an inflection point in world history,” Biden stated. “The decisions we make now will determine what the next six decades look like.”

A Legacy of Service

Reflecting on his time in office, Biden expressed pride in his administration’s accomplishments, including the creation of millions of jobs and significant investments in the American economy.

He also acknowledged the challenges he faced, including navigating the nation through the COVID-19 pandemic and addressing the deep political divisions that have marked his tenure.

“I want history to remember that we proved democracy can work,” Biden said. “It got us out of a pandemic. It produced the single greatest economic recovery in American history. And it demonstrated that we can pull the nation together.”

As he prepares to leave office, Biden remains focused on his remaining months in the White House.

He continues to work on critical issues, including the conflict in Israel and the ongoing efforts to prevent a regional war.

Despite stepping back from the campaign trail, Biden made it clear that he will remain an active participant in the 2024 election, supporting Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate in their bid to maintain the White House.

“All I can say is, ‘Watch,'” Biden said, addressing concerns about his health and ability to campaign. “I’m going to do whatever Kamala thinks I can do to help most.”

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