The former US president believes he could have beaten his successor in last year’s election had he not dropped out
Former US President Joe Biden has criticized the first 100 days in office of his successor, Donald Trump, while dismissing widespread speculation about his own cognitive decline, which was widely seen as the key reason behind his decision to drop out of the race.
In an interview with ABC News, Biden gave his take on Trump’s performance, saying “He’s had the worst 100 days any president’s ever had. And I would not say honesty has been his strong point.” His comments come after the end of the three-month period during which political opponents of sitting US presidents typically limit their public criticism.
Biden also noted that he was “disappointed but not surprised” by Democratic nominee Kamala Harris’ loss to Trump, claiming that her race and gender played a role. “They went the sexist route,” he said. “I’ve never seen quite as successful and consistent a campaign undercutting the notion that a woman couldn’t lead the country – and a woman of mixed race.”
Asked whether he believes he could have beaten Trump in 2024, the former president replied, “I do.” He argued that the 2024 presidential race “wasn’t a slam dunk.” Trump secured narrow victories in several key battlegrounds, including Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, and Wisconsin.
Responding to reports alleging cognitive decline in the final year of his presidency, Biden strongly denied the claims. “They are wrong,” Biden said. “There is nothing to sustain that… I said when I got out of the race, I was still going to be president. I think I did a pretty damn good job the last six months.”
Speculation about whether Biden was fit for office swirled around him months before the November election, fueled by recurring gaffes. Concerns peaked, however, after a disastrous debate performance against Trump in June 2024.
Despite his initial defiance, Biden withdrew from the presidential race under reported pressure from the Democratic leadership, allowing Vice President Harris to become the nominee. She went on to lose the general election to Trump, 312 to 226 in the Electoral College vote.
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