In an interview with USA Today, outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden expressed confidence that he could have defeated Donald Trump in the November election, had he pursued re-election. However, the 82-year-old admitted uncertainty about his ability to endure another four-year term due to his age. “So far, so good,” Biden remarked, “But who knows what I’m going to be when I’m 86 years old?”
During the wide-ranging interview with journalist Susan Page, Biden discussed topics including potential pardons, Trump’s economic views, and his controversial pardon of his son, Hunter Biden. Biden revealed he was considering pre-emptive pardons for individuals who have clashed with Trump, including former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci. He described a frank Oval Office conversation with Trump after the November election, in which he advised against seeking to “settle scores.” Biden noted that Trump listened but did not push back.
The president also reflected on the economic legacy he left behind, claiming Trump praised his record during their meeting. “He thought I was leaving with a good record,” Biden said.
Biden’s decision to drop out of the race in July drew criticism from members of his own party, with some citing concerns about his age and mental sharpness. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other high-ranking Democrats suggested that Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss to Trump might have been avoided had Biden exited earlier.
Biden defended his record, stating, “Based on polling, I believed I would have won,” but conceded that his age presented challenges. He added, “When Trump was running again for re-election, I really thought I had the best chance of beating him. But I also wasn’t looking to be president when I was 85.”
As Biden prepares to leave office, his sole print media exit interview highlights the complexities of balancing experience with the realities of age in the high-pressure realm of U.S. politics. His reflections may resonate as the Democratic Party re-evaluates its leadership strategy in the wake of electoral defeat.
