Biden Claims 2024 Election Win Possible in USA TODAY Interview, Considers Preemptive Pardons

Jan 8, 2025, 12:29 PM

In an exclusive exit interview with USA TODAY, President Joe Biden expressed his belief that he could have won the 2024 presidential election against Donald Trump, based on polling data he had reviewed. However, he was uncertain about his ability to serve another four years due to his age, stating, 'I don't know' when asked about his vigor for a second term at 86 years old. Biden also discussed his legacy, policy decisions, and family matters, including his son Hunter's sobriety, which he said had been maintained for almost six years. He mentioned considering preemptive pardons for public figures like Liz Cheney and Anthony Fauci, who have been targeted by incoming President Trump. Biden urged Trump not to 'settle scores' with political opponents during their post-election meeting, though Trump did not respond definitively. Biden reflected on his long career in politics, his handling of foreign affairs, and his economic policies, including the American Rescue Plan, which he defended despite criticism for fueling inflation, asserting that it contributed to a 'soft landing' and no recession, leaving with what he believed was a good economic record.