President Biden discusses election withdrawal, potential pardons, and Trump's 2024 win while addressing sanctions and California fire response.
Biden reflects on election decision, weighs pre-emptive clemency options, discusses Trump victory
U.S. President Joe Biden expressed on Friday his conviction that his withdrawal from re-election did not facilitate President-elect Donald Trump's path to victory in 2024, while addressing ongoing deliberations about potential pre-emptive pardons for individuals targeted by Trump.
Trump, the Republican victor who will assume office on Jan. 20, defeated Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris in the previous year's election and has consistently advocated for legal action against those he views as adversaries.
"My assessment is that I could have prevailed against Trump, would have been capable of defeating Trump, and I believe Kamala had the potential to overcome Trump," Biden stated during a White House press briefing when questioned about any regrets concerning his initial re-election pursuit.
Biden, at 82, withdrew following a problematic debate performance against Trump, 78, which intensified Democratic party concerns about his prospects for November victory and ability to complete another term.
"Party unity was a paramount consideration," Biden explained regarding his decision, noting that while serving as president was his life's greatest privilege, he was unwilling to risk electoral defeat due to party division.
On the subject of pardons, Biden indicated his consideration process includes Trump's expressed intentions for retaliation.
"The notion of him seeking retribution against individuals... is unconscionable," Biden remarked. "The matter remains under review... though no conclusion has been reached."
When questioned about considering a pre-emptive pardon for himself, Biden rejected the idea. "I committed no wrongdoing."
Biden's press interactions were limited during his four-year tenure, but he engaged with multiple reporter inquiries on Friday.
He addressed the impact of new Russian oil sanctions, projecting a three to four cent increase in gas prices per gallon while emphasizing the significant impact on Russia's economic stability.
Biden, who canceled his Italian diplomatic visit to manage the federal response to California's wildfire crisis, expressed regret about missing his scheduled Vatican meeting with Pope Francis but emphasized the importance of remaining in Washington.