Biden also mentioned contemplating pre-emptive pardons for notable critics of Trump, including former congresswoman Liz Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci. Reflecting on a meeting with Trump shortly after the election, Biden stated he made it clear that seeking retribution wouldn't benefit Trump, to which Trump appeared receptive but passive.
The interview, published Wednesday, marks Biden's only exit interview to a print outlet, as media access has been closely monitored by the White House, with Biden not engaging in a news conference since the end of his race on July 21. He defended his recent decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, despite earlier pledges against it, igniting criticism internally from within the Democratic party concerning his potential candidacy amid concerns about his age.
Biden acknowledged that, while he believed he would have had the best chance to defeat Trump again, he also didn't want to be president in his mid-80s. His comments come on the heels of speculation from prominent figures like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, suggesting that earlier withdrawal from the race might have benefited the Democratic party in the elections.
The interview, published Wednesday, marks Biden's only exit interview to a print outlet, as media access has been closely monitored by the White House, with Biden not engaging in a news conference since the end of his race on July 21. He defended his recent decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, despite earlier pledges against it, igniting criticism internally from within the Democratic party concerning his potential candidacy amid concerns about his age.
Biden acknowledged that, while he believed he would have had the best chance to defeat Trump again, he also didn't want to be president in his mid-80s. His comments come on the heels of speculation from prominent figures like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, suggesting that earlier withdrawal from the race might have benefited the Democratic party in the elections.
