Biden’s Lingering Regret: Stepping Away from the 2024 Presidential Race

President Joe Biden reportedly continues to grapple with his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, a move that came after mounting pressure from within his own party. Despite a challenging political climate and waning support, Biden maintains that he could have triumphed over Donald Trump in the November election.

Insiders reveal that Biden has expressed confidence in his ability to secure re-election, even in light of his less-than-stellar debate performance in June and persistently low approval ratings. According to the Washington Post, individuals close to the president have shared that he believes stepping aside was not a necessity, despite the growing doubts among Democratic leaders and donors about his electoral viability.

The aftermath of the June 27 debate proved to be a turning point. Criticism of Biden's performance spurred more vocal demands for him to make way for another candidate who could galvanize support against Trump. The tide of discontent among party members was accompanied by a significant decline in financial backing, as major donors grew skeptical of Biden’s chances.

On July 21, Biden officially bowed out of the race, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate. With just over three months to prepare for the general election, Harris faced an uphill battle against Trump. Ultimately, she lost by 2.2 million votes.

While Biden has refrained from criticizing Harris publicly, he remains convinced that he would have emerged victorious had he stayed in the race. This sentiment reflects the confidence that fueled his initial decision to run for a second term, despite a complex political landscape. After all, Biden had successfully defeated Trump in the 2020 election, and he believed he could replicate that outcome.

Congressman James Clyburn, who met with Biden earlier this year, reportedly offered candid advice about the challenges the president faced. “Your style does not lend itself well to the environment we’re currently in,” Clyburn is quoted as saying, alluding to the growing emphasis on political theatrics over substance in modern campaigns.

Adding to the president’s reflections is the acknowledgment of other decisions he now views as missteps. Among these is his choice of Merrick Garland as attorney general. Biden reportedly regrets appointing Garland, believing the Justice Department under his leadership moved too slowly in prosecuting Trump while simultaneously pursuing legal actions against Biden’s son, Hunter, with undue fervor.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan also weighed in on Biden’s approach, highlighting the tension between governing with a long-term vision and addressing immediate electoral concerns. “How to govern at this moment to set the U.S. up for long-term success has one answer, and how to govern to deal with midterm and presidential elections in the very short-term might have a different answer,” Sullivan explained, emphasizing the administration’s broader priorities.

Despite the disappointment of stepping aside and the subsequent Democratic loss, Biden has continued to focus on his legacy and the policies he believes have positioned the United States for future success. However, his persistent belief that he could have beaten Trump underscores the enduring weight of what might have been, marking this chapter of his presidency as one defined by both accomplishment and regret.