Biden Gets Candid – Admits He’s Not Sure He Could Handle Another Round with Trump!

In a candid conversation with USA Today, President Joe Biden shared his thoughts on the 2024 election, his health, and his time in the Oval Office. The 82-year-old expressed confidence in his ability to defeat Donald Trump in a rematch but acknowledged uncertainty about enduring another term as president.

“It’s presumptuous to say that, but I think yes, based on the polling that…,” Biden began, before being cut off during the rapid-fire questioning by USA Today Washington bureau chief Susan Page.

Biden’s honesty extended to his health, admitting doubts about maintaining the vigor required for another four years. “I don’t know. That’s why I thought when I first announced, talking to Barack [Obama] about it, I said I thought I was the person,” he revealed. Reflecting on his initial reluctance to run, Biden noted, “I had no intention of running after [son] Beau died — for real, not a joke. But I also wasn’t looking to be president when I was 85 years old.”

The discussion highlighted Biden’s unique approach to his presidency, including his reliance on index cards filled with statistics and talking points, which he reportedly referenced sparingly during the interview. However, his decision-making and communication style have drawn scrutiny. According to reports, Biden’s interactions with his pollster John Anzalone were limited to memos, bypassing direct discussions throughout the campaign.

The Debate That Changed Everything

Biden’s campaign faced a turning point during his June 27 debate against Trump. Speaking with a raspy voice and at times incoherently, Biden’s performance alarmed many Democrats. Phrases like “We finally beat Medicare” became rallying points for critics. Post-debate polling showed Trump pulling ahead, while concerns about Biden’s mental fitness intensified within his own party.

Key Democratic leaders, including Senate members and prominent donors like George Clooney, urged Biden to step aside. In July, Biden officially announced he would not seek re-election, passing the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris. Despite Biden’s endorsement, Harris lost critical swing states to Trump, ensuring his return to the White House.

Health Concerns and Internal Pressure

Questions about Biden’s health dominated headlines, with some medical experts suggesting his gait and verbal stumbles could be signs of neurodegeneration. Calls for cognitive testing grew louder, particularly after Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) reportedly pushed for the results to be made public. Biden, however, maintained his focus on serving out his term and preparing for a peaceful transfer of power.

“I tried to make it clear that there was no need, and it was counterintuitive for [Trump’s] interest to go back and try to settle scores,” Biden said of his conversations with Trump. He also noted that he’s still undecided about issuing preemptive pardons to figures like Liz Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci. “A little bit of it depends on who he puts in what positions,” he explained.

Pardons and Legacy

Biden confirmed granting a blanket pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, covering tax and gun charges, as well as other alleged crimes from 2014 to 2024. The decision was controversial, with Biden claiming, “Number one, that he had paid all his taxes. He paid them late.” Yet, he stumbled when recalling specifics, admitting, “This was back in ’80, I mean excuse me, in 2000 and… What year was it? Anyway, long time ago.”

Despite criticism, Biden defended his decision, comparing Hunter’s situation to other cases he deemed more severe. He also referenced discrepancies in punishments for similar offenses, though his comments raised eyebrows among legal experts.

When asked about his legacy, Biden remained modest. “Historians will talk about [how] great the impact was, but it didn’t [have] any immediate impact on people’s lives,” he remarked. He expressed regret that some initiatives didn’t progress faster, saying, “I think we would’ve been a hell of a lot better off had we been able to go much harder at getting some of these projects in the ground quicker.”

Looking Forward

As Biden approaches the final months of his presidency, his reflections offer a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of his time in office. From navigating complex health and political issues to grappling with public perception, Biden’s tenure as the oldest U.S. president will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on history. Whether his decisions will be remembered as visionary or flawed remains a question for future generations.