In his first major interview since stepping down from office, former President Joe Biden addressed the 2024 election outcome, saying he was “disappointed but not surprised” that Kamala Harris lost the presidency to Donald Trump.
Speaking candidly on national television, Biden attributed Harris’s defeat to what he described as a barrage of sexist and racially charged attacks that undermined her candidacy. Despite her qualifications and contributions to their administration, Biden said her campaign was weighed down by persistent efforts to discredit her leadership ability.
Biden also reflected on his decision to withdraw from the race after a poor debate performance in June 2024, acknowledging it raised concerns about his age and stamina. Still, he maintained that had he stayed in the race, he believes he could have defeated Trump again.
He pushed back on criticism over the timing of his exit, noting that Harris had several months to mount a campaign and that she was deeply involved in every major decision during their administration.
Looking ahead, Biden expressed admiration for Harris and hope that she would remain active in public life, describing her as “first-rate.” He also shared that he is working on a new book and exploring ways to stay engaged outside of elected office.
The interview spotlighted ongoing debate within the Democratic Party about strategy, identity politics, and how to move forward after a historic yet deeply polarizing election.