In a surprise press conference, President Joe Biden expressed his belief in Vice President Kamala Harris' electoral potential and addressed various pressing issues, including misinformation and the possibility of self-pardon.

President Joe Biden spoke to the media in a lengthy session, tackling subjects ranging from the past election, Harris' future prospects, pardons, economic policy, and misinformation, as the Daily Mail reports.

Biden's Friday evening press conference presented an opportunity for him to delve into key topics as his administration approaches its conclusion. Standing before reporters, he addressed the broader implications of his decision not to seek re-election, citing party unity as a paramount concern.

Biden's Decisions in Review

During the session, Biden emphasized his trust in both his and Harris' ability to triumph over current President-Donald Trump in a potential election match-up.

However, his decision to bow out, he said, was driven by a desire to prevent division within the Democratic Party. Biden, reflecting on his presidency, noted the honor it had been to serve, yet he believed prioritizing unity would better serve the party.

Despite Biden's confidence, the electoral outcome saw Trump defeating Harris across seven pivotal swing states and securing the popular vote. Amidst these reflections, Biden addressed the speculation surrounding hypothetical pardons, particularly the notion of issuing one for himself.

Biden appeared taken aback by the query concerning self-pardon, dismissing the idea by asserting he saw no reason for such a measure, given his belief that he committed no wrongdoing. Meanwhile, one pardon that did come to fruition was for his son, Hunter Biden, covering potential gun and tax-related offenses.

Media Misinformation and Fact-Checking Discussed

The press conference veered towards discussions on misinformation and the evolving landscape of social media platforms. Biden voiced concerns about moves by prominent tech CEOs, including Meta's Mark Zuckerberg and X's Elon Musk, to step away from rigorous fact-checking practices.

He expressed frustration over what he perceived as an abandonment of accountability standards, particularly those related to discrimination.

Biden's criticisms highlighted ongoing tensions between the political arena and major digital platforms over the handling of information dissemination. His remarks underscored the challenges of maintaining ethical journalism and integrity in the age of rapid information exchange.

On the international front, Biden touched upon various geopolitical matters, including the ongoing situation in Ukraine. His administration's approach to foreign policy and its legacy was part of the broader dialogue leading up to the presidential transition.

Speculation on Future Pardons

Additionally, Biden was asked about the possibility of further pardons or commutations, particularly in connection with the actions of former President Trump. While he acknowledged that some considerations were contingent on Trump's forthcoming decisions, no final determinations had been made.

In the realm of domestic policy, Biden reiterated his administration's priorities over the last four years, focusing on economic reform. He positioned his economic policies as a departure from previous approaches that he argued favored only the wealthiest individuals.

Contrasting his own administration with that of Trump's, Biden spoke of a new economic framework centered on inclusivity and growth from the middle and bottom sectors of society up. This focus on equitable growth was positioned as a key achievement of his tenure.

A Legacy of Involvement and Influence

As he nears the end of his term, Biden conveyed his intent not to fade into obscurity post-presidency. He expressed determination to remain engaged with national dialogue and issues, breaking from the "out of sight, out of mind" tradition of some predecessors.

Biden's statements during the press conference offered insights into his administrative priorities and the ethos driving his decisions. With just days before a change in administration, his comments also sought to cement his legacy and clarify his vision for the country.

Amid the varied topics addressed, Biden's emphasis on unity, accountability, and socioeconomic fairness painted a picture of an outgoing presidency striving to set a standard for ethical governance and political integrity.

The coming transition marks a pivotal moment for the nation, as new leadership prepares to inherit the mantle of governance. As Biden closes this chapter of his political journey, the impact of his decisions will likely resonate in discussions on future administrations and policy directions.