(Scypre.com) – In the wake of President Biden’s decision to step down from this year’s presidential election, new reports suggest that he privately regrets withdrawing and believes he could have defeated President-elect Donald Trump had he stayed in the race. These claims, stemming from sources familiar with the president’s inner circle, reveal a growing sense of frustration over the circumstances leading to his departure.
According to an investigation by The Washington Post, Biden and some of his close aides have recently expressed confidence in his ability to secure a second term, had he remained in the race. Sources privy to these conversations claim that the president believes he bowed to internal party pressures prematurely. The 82-year-old reportedly faced mounting demands from Democratic Party leaders to step aside after struggling with low polling numbers and a widely criticized performance during the June 27 debate. Critics pointed to his faltering responses and perceived lack of clarity as major liabilities.
In July, Vice President Kamala Harris was elevated to lead the Democratic ticket, a move seen by many as a strategic shift to counter Trump’s momentum. However, Harris’ campaign failed to secure enough support, leading to her defeat by Trump, who is now preparing to begin his second term on January 20.
Reports emphasize that Biden has refrained from openly criticizing Harris or her campaign efforts. However, during an August interview on CBS News’ Sunday Morning, Biden acknowledged that prominent Democratic figures, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, advocated for his withdrawal. Party leaders were reportedly concerned that Biden’s candidacy might jeopardize Democratic chances in congressional races. In a subsequent appearance on The View in September, Biden reiterated his confidence that he could have triumphed over Trump in the general election.
The fallout from Harris’ loss has sparked intense debate within the Democratic Party, with some members attributing the defeat to Biden’s delayed decision to step aside. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) noted, “Biden ran on the promise that he was going to be a transitional president, essentially serving one term before passing the torch to a new generation. Running again undermined that narrative and fueled doubts about the party’s vision for the future.”
Advisers close to Biden have acknowledged that his traditional approach to governance may not have aligned with the fast-paced nature of contemporary politics. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan observed, “The president operates on a timeline that spans decades, whereas political cycles are defined by four-year intervals.”
In candid moments, Biden has admitted to missteps during his tenure. Reflecting on his debate performance, he conceded that he “screwed up” and expressed regret over decisions such as not branding the pandemic relief checks his administration distributed in 2021 — a move Trump executed effectively in 2020. Biden has also acknowledged that his administration could have done more to uplift the public’s morale during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Further controversies have emerged regarding his appointment of Merrick Garland as attorney general. According to the Post, Biden has privately voiced dissatisfaction with Garland’s handling of key issues. He reportedly lamented that Garland’s aggressive prosecution of his son, Hunter Biden, overshadowed the administration’s broader accomplishments. Additionally, Biden expressed frustration over what he perceived as Garland’s sluggish approach to pursuing charges against Trump related to the January 6 Capitol riots — charges that were ultimately dismissed.
As President Biden reflects on his legacy, these revelations paint a complex picture of a leader grappling with the consequences of his choices and the rapidly evolving political landscape. While his decision to exit the race may have been driven by party unity, the repercussions continue to shape the Democratic Party’s strategy and future prospects.