In his first major public appearance since leaving the White House in January, Joe Biden took responsibility for the victory of Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. But he also denounced what he calls sexism and racism as factors that contributed to the defeat of Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate for his succession.
Guest on the show on Thursday The View On ABC, the 82-year-old former Democratic president spoke frankly about the reasons for his party's electoral failure, the criticisms related to his age, and the conduct of his Republican successor, Donald Trump. He explained that he had remained silent during the first XNUMX days of the new presidency out of respect for the tradition of former leaders stepping aside.
Regarding the 2024 campaign, Biden said he was surprised by the persistent impact of prejudice on the perception of Kamala Harris"They chose the sexist path," he said, referring to critics who suggested "that a woman, and a mixed-race woman, couldn't lead the country." He acknowledged his own share of responsibility, however: "I was the leader. And he [Trump] won, so I bear the responsibility."
Joe Biden, who has left active politics, does not plan to play a central role in the future of the Democratic Party. He did, however, indicate that he remains in contact with Kamala Harris and has offered her advice, without revealing the content. "She has a difficult decision to make about what to do next. I hope she stays engaged," he said.
He also dismissed concerns about his mental capacity, particularly after a failed June 2024 debate that marked a turning point in his campaign. He said the criticism came mainly from the party elite: "The only reason I withdrew was to avoid a division within the Democrats," he said, adding that the Democratic base did not necessarily share the leaders' doubts.
Polls, however, contradict this perception. An AP-NORC survey conducted in early 2022 showed that only 48% of Democrats wanted Biden to run again. That figure fell to 37% by early 2023, and after the disastrous summer debate, nearly two-thirds of Democrats wanted him to drop out of the race.
In the interview, Jill Biden also spoke for the first time since they left Washington. She rejected accusations that she was overly protective of her husband. “It was hurtful, especially coming from some of our so-called friends,” she said. “I was with Joe day and night… he wasn’t hiding. You saw him in the Oval Office, giving speeches.”
Asked about the current presidency, Biden didn't mince words: "He [Trump] had the worst first 100 days in office in presidential history." The response was swift. Steven Cheung, White House communications director, savaged the former president: "Joe Biden is a disgrace to this country and to the office he held. He has clearly lost all of his mental faculties."
This exchange illustrates the persistence of a deep political divide, and the weight of the recent past in an American democracy still seeking stability.
