Former U.S. President Joe Biden has spoken publicly for the first time about his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, describing it as a difficult but ultimately necessary step.
In an exclusive interview with the BBC to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Biden acknowledged the emotional weight of stepping down, saying, “It was a hard decision… but I think it was the right one.”
The 81-year-old Democrat, who handed over his party’s nomination to Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of the election, emphasized that he has no regrets about his choice. Harris later lost the general election to Republican candidate Donald Trump.
Prior to Biden’s withdrawal, speculation mounted regarding his health and fitness to serve a second term. However, when asked if stepping aside earlier might have changed the election’s outcome, Biden dismissed the notion. “I don’t think it would have mattered,” he said, adding that the speed of political developments made it difficult to exit the race sooner.
This interview marks Biden’s first public comments since leaving the White House earlier this year.
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