In a candid reflection, President Biden expressed regret over his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, believing he had a genuine chance to defeat Donald Trump, Fox News reported.

On July 21, amidst internal pressures and a shrinking pool of donor support, President Joe Biden made the significant decision to exit the 2024 presidential race. This move followed a particularly challenging debate performance on June 27, which sparked widespread concern among Democrats about his continued candidacy.

Following this debate, there was a noticeable decline in financial backing for Biden, with many donors questioning his potential to secure a victory against Trump. This situation led to Biden's eventual endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency.

Biden Endorses Harris, Reflects on Decision

The endorsement of Kamala Harris was a pivotal moment in the 2024 campaign, as Biden passed the Democratic torch to his vice president. Despite Biden's support, Harris was unable to clinch the presidency, with Trump emerging victorious by a margin of 2.2 million votes.

Biden, who had defeated Trump in the 2020 election, still believed in his ability to win. He often reflected on the decision to withdraw, pondering the possibilities had he remained in the race.

Biden also regretted his selection of Merrick Garland as Attorney General, criticizing Garland's hesitant approach to prosecuting Trump and his aggressive actions towards Biden's son, Hunter.

Voices from Within Biden's Circle

Democratic Representative James Clyburn critically addressed Biden's suitability for the political climate of the time, stating, "Your style does not lend itself well to the environment we’re currently in." This comment underscored the internal challenges Biden faced within his own party.

Explaining the president's rationale, Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security advisor, noted, "How to govern at this moment to set the U.S. up for long-term success has one answer, and how to govern to deal with midterm and presidential elections in the very short-term might have a different answer. The president went with doing the things that really put America in a strong position." Sullivan's remarks highlighted Biden's focus on long-term policy success over short-term electoral politics.

This introspective look at Biden's campaign decisions and their impact not only sheds light on the dynamics of the 2024 election but also sparks ongoing debate about the potential outcomes had Biden chosen to continue his quest for re-election.