- Biden talks about reasons for withdrawing as a presidential candidate
President Joe Biden spoke in an interview about the reasons behind his withdrawal as the Democratic candidate for the presidential election. He said his aim was to do his best to protect democracy in the United States and prevent the re-election of Republican Donald Trump, as he told CBS News in the conversation. "We must, must, must beat Trump," emphasized the 81-year-old.
Joe Biden Explains His Withdrawal
Polls had predicted a neck-and-neck race between him and Trump, said Biden. However, senators and representatives from his party had expressed concerns that his continued candidacy could also harm their own chances of success. He was worried that the question of his continued candidacy would overshadow the campaign. "I thought that would be a real distraction," he said. Moreover, he had seen himself as a transitional president to a younger generation in the 2020 campaign, explained Biden.
Biden had announced his withdrawal as a candidate about three weeks ago and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. Biden had come under heavy criticism after a largely unsuccessful debate with Trump at the end of June.
Disastrous TV Debate
Even party friends suddenly began to question, more or less openly, whether he was still physically and mentally fit for another term. Initially, Biden was not willing to budge. However, he announced his withdrawal nearly a month after the debate.
For the Democrats, this unusual reshuffle seems to have paid off, just three months before the election in early November. Recent polls suggest that Harris and her newly crowned vice-presidential candidate, Governor Tim Walz, have a better chance of defeating Trump. However, even with the fresh wind among the Democrats and the new enthusiasm from party supporters, it is clear: According to the polls, it is likely to remain a very close race.
In the interview, President Joe Biden mentioned his concerns that his continued candidacy could negatively impact the chances of other Democratic candidates. During his withdrawal announcement, he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who is now seen as having a better chance of defeating President Trump.
