Biden just humiliated Kamala and the Democrats in the worst way.
President Biden is reportedly expressing private regret over his decision to exit the 2024 presidential race, believing he could have defeated President-elect Donald Trump had he not bowed to pressure from his own party. According to sources close to Biden, the president has confided to friends and aides that he should have stayed in the race and that, had he done so, a second term was within his reach.
In the face of declining poll numbers and a poor performance during a critical debate in late June, Biden—now 82—succumbed to demands from Democratic Party elites who pushed him out of the race. These pressures culminated in Biden’s withdrawal in July, despite his initial intent to seek re-election. His exit paved the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to step in as the party’s nominee. However, Harris’ campaign faltered, and she was soundly defeated by Trump, who is set to return to the White House in January.
While Biden has refrained from blaming Harris directly for the loss, sources close to him suggest he’s privately acknowledged that the Democratic establishment, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, played a pivotal role in convincing him to step down. In fact, Biden himself admitted to CBS News in August that Pelosi’s influence was critical, as Democrats feared his candidacy would harm their prospects in the upcoming elections.
Several high-ranking Democrats have been critical of Biden’s decision to run again. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut remarked that Biden’s second run undermined his promise of being a transitional leader who would pave the way for a new generation of Democrats.
Meanwhile, Biden’s inner circle has acknowledged that his leadership style, shaped by decades of experience, was increasingly out of step with the fast-paced and divisive nature of modern politics. National security adviser Jake Sullivan noted that Biden’s long-term approach clashed with the short-term realities of contemporary campaigns, where the political cycle moves swiftly from one election to the next.
Adding to the mounting regrets, Biden has also admitted to several missteps during his time in office, including his awkward debate performance, his decision not to brand pandemic relief checks with his name—a move that Trump had done in 2020—and his failure to provide more uplifting leadership during the pandemic. Furthermore, Biden has expressed dissatisfaction with his choice of Merrick Garland as Attorney General, blaming him for slow-moving investigations, both in the case of his son Hunter and in the prosecution of Trump over the January 6 riots.
In hindsight, it seems clear that Biden’s presidency has been marked by missed opportunities, questionable decisions, and an ongoing sense of political fragmentation. As the GOP looks forward to another term under Trump, many will reflect on what might have been had Biden made different choices and stayed in the race for a second term.