U.S. President Joe Biden addressed key political questions on Friday, expressing confidence that his decision to seek re-election did not facilitate President-elect Donald Trump’s victory in 2024. Biden also acknowledged he is evaluating pre-emptive pardons for individuals targeted by Trump, signaling his concern over the former president’s plans for retribution.
Trump, who defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the recent election, is set to return to the White House on January 20. Throughout his campaign, Trump repeatedly called for legal action against his perceived adversaries.
"I believe I could have beaten Trump, and I think Kamala could have as well," Biden told reporters at the White House, when asked if he regretted his decision to pursue re-election.
Biden’s Decision to Step Aside
The 82-year-old president withdrew from the race following a contentious debate with Trump that raised doubts within the Democratic Party about his ability to secure a second term. His withdrawal was seen as a move to unify the party and avoid a fractured electoral outcome.
"I thought it was critical to bring the party together," Biden said. “Serving as president has been the honor of my life, but I didn’t want to risk the party’s unity or an electoral loss.”
Pardon Considerations
Biden expressed alarm over Trump’s intentions to punish his opponents, describing such plans as "outrageous." While he confirmed deliberations on pre-emptive pardons, no decisions have been made.
When asked about pardoning himself, Biden firmly denied any wrongdoing: "I didn’t do anything wrong."
Policy and Priorities
Biden also addressed economic and foreign policy issues, noting that recent sanctions on Russian oil could slightly raise U.S. gasoline prices but would significantly impact Russia’s economy.
He canceled a planned trip to Italy to oversee the federal response to the devastating wildfires in California, emphasizing the importance of remaining in Washington during the crisis. Despite his disappointment at missing a meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, Biden underscored his commitment to domestic responsibilities.
In a rare engagement with reporters, Biden provided insight into his reflections on his presidency and the path forward as Trump prepares to take office again.
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