President Joe Biden has reportedly expressed regret in private over his decision not to seek re-election in 2024, according to multiple sources privy to recent conversations. This marks a historic moment as Biden is the first elected, incumbent president to abstain from running for a second term.
Sources reveal that Biden, in private discussions throughout December 2024, has repeatedly conveyed to his aides and advisers that he could have defeated Trump, notwithstanding the polling data that led to his withdrawal. Despite avoiding criticism of Harris’ campaign, Biden has been particularly outspoken about this belief. His confidence is partly rooted in his 2020 victory over Trump. However, he recognizes the June debate performance and low approval ratings that led to his departure from the race.
Biden’s decision to withdraw was precipitated by months of dwindling poll numbers. By the time he pulled out of the race, Biden’s national approval rating had sunk to 37% – the lowest point of his presidency.
Concerns were raised over Biden’s performance during the crucial June 27 debate where he seemed to mix up current global conflicts and struggled to defend his economic policies from sharp criticism. The debate, which drew 14.8 million viewers, proved to be a turning point for the Democratic Party’s leadership.
Following the debate, campaign funding was significantly reduced. Three major Democratic donors who had contributed $10.4 million to Biden’s 2020 campaign withdrew their support in July. The campaign’s second-quarter fundraising dipped by 35% compared to the first quarter.
In an earlier meeting this year, Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., advised Biden that his style was not well suited for the current political environment. The conversation focused on style versus substance.
The shift to Harris’ candidacy posed unique legal challenges for the Democratic Party. Questions surrounding campaign funding transfers and delegate allocation necessitated quick legal scrutiny.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan commented on the administration’s priorities, saying, “How to govern at this moment to set the U.S. up for long-term success has one answer, and how to govern to deal with midterm and presidential elections in the very short-term might have a different answer. The president went with doing the things that put America in a strong position.”
Harris’ shortened campaign had difficulties in maintaining Biden’s coalition. Trump eventually defeated Harris by a margin of 2.2 million votes.
Biden has privately admitted to certain administration decisions that he now questions, including the appointment of Merrick Garland as attorney general. Initially persuaded by his aides that Garland would be a consensus pick, Biden has privately expressed discontent over the slow pace of Trump-related prosecutions while feeling that his son Hunter has been subjected to overly harsh prosecution.
Biden’s decision had significant repercussions throughout the Democratic Party’s infrastructure. Five state Democratic Party chairs resigned in protest, forcing the Democratic National Committee to overhaul its entire general election strategy within just 98 days of Election Day.
