Biden Reflects on Whether Second Term Was Feasible
President Joe Biden, in what appears to be the last print interview of his current administration, expressed uncertainty about his capacity to fulfill another presidential term due to age and personal factors.
Biden discussed his withdrawal from the 2024 race, noting some doubt about serving another term despite his belief he could have triumphed over President-elect Donald Trump, as the Daily Caller reports.
President Biden candidly admitted his doubts about embarking on another four years in office. After a disappointing debate performance led to his ousting from the presidential race, Biden reflected on his potential to have possibly secured victory against Trump. He acknowledged, however, the looming challenge that age presented.
President Considers Age a Factor
At over 80 years old, Biden highlighted concerns about his ability to handle the demands of the presidency for another entire term. His apprehension over the possibility of stepping down during a second term indicates his hesitation was partly driven by age-related considerations. Biden's subsequent withdrawal from the political race left him grappling with "who the hell knows?" when reflecting on his future at 86.
Despite stepping out of the race, Biden and his team were left considering whether leaving was the right decision. Neither he nor his aides harbored any ill feelings toward Vice President Kamala Harris regarding the campaign outcome. In fact, their decision-making appears to be rooted more in strategy and personal calculations than the influence of any colleague.
Biden's Relative Absence from Public Scene
Following his withdrawal, President Biden has maintained a low public profile, limiting his interactions with the media. His recent interview provided insight into his contemplative state about the presidency and family matters, notably the well-publicized issues faced by his son, Hunter Biden.
During his discussion, Biden revealed that he had decided to pardon his son, Hunter. Yet, the conversation unfolded to show Biden's struggle to accurately piece together the timeline of his son's past troubles. He emphasized Hunter's recovery journey, mentioning efforts related to late tax payments and overcoming past substance use issues.
Hunter Biden's Journey to Sobriety
Biden described Hunter as having tackled his drug problem, maintaining nearly six years of sobriety. He expressed pride in Hunter for conquering past struggles and meeting his financial obligations, though not without challenges.
Although he made errors with his taxes, he ultimately resolved them, leading to civil agreements in the court's eyes.
Reflecting on his journey, Biden delved into the reasons behind his involvement in Hunter's legal struggles. He emphasized that Hunter paid his taxes, albeit tardily, acknowledging the toll that addiction had taken on his son in previous years.
President Recounts Hunter's Legal Battle
In detailing Hunter's case, President Biden shared how his son fully settled his taxes, addressing the debts that had accumulated.
The narrative highlighted Biden's attempts to paint a picture of his son’s past legal proceedings, intertwined with Hunter's battle against addiction and his ultimate reconciliation with his civic duties.
In his reflections, Biden indicated why he felt just in granting clemency to his son. He underscored that numerous individuals with comparable tax situations resort to civil resolutions, driven by similar circumstances.
This narrative not only sheds light on Hunter's personal evolution but also captures a father's perspective on accountability and redemption.
Musings on Past and Future Political Career
During the dialogue, Biden recounted his motivations behind initially embarking on another presidential race. He reflected on a conversation with former President Barack Obama, recalling his initial doubts about running after the death of his son, Beau Biden. The notion of being the best candidate to defeat Trump seemed compelling at the time, prompting his eventual candidacy.
However, when contemplating serving as president into his mid-eighties, Biden articulated apprehensions about sustaining the necessary energy and drive for such a demanding role. While he initially believed in his potential to transfer leadership, he admitted the ambiguity of the political future: "So far, so good," but acknowledged the unpredictability of his capacity at 86 years old.
Hypothetical Race Discussed
Even considering these introspections, Biden exhibited confidence in his ability to have contested Trump. Based on polling and the political landscape he observed, Biden held that he was the strongest candidate to navigate a campaign against the incumbent. However, faced with the decision to campaign at this stage of life caused Biden to ultimately weigh the practicality of continuing in such a capacity.
The interview concluded with a description of the president as "engaged and loquacious," signaling an active presence despite not being in the presidential fray. Though stepping back from ambitions of continued presidency, Biden seems to remain intellectually connected to the national discourse, awaiting what the future holds in both his personal and public life.