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Biden Defends Timing of 2024 Withdrawal, Citing Agenda Success and Harris's Readiness

In a BBC interview, former President Biden maintains his decision to exit the race in July 2024 was the right call, arguing it would not have altered the election outcome and highlighting Harris's preparedness.

US President Joe Biden speaks to the press as he stops for ice cream at Baskin Robbins in Portland, Oregon, October 15, 2022. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • In a May 2025 BBC interview, Biden stated he has no regrets about withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race in July, asserting that an earlier exit would not have changed the election result.
  • Biden emphasized that Kamala Harris, his successor as the Democratic nominee, was fully funded and ready to lead the campaign when he stepped aside.
  • He reflected on the difficulty of ending his campaign, citing the momentum of his administration's policy achievements as a factor that made stepping away challenging.
  • Biden reiterated his long-standing intention to transition leadership to the next generation but noted that the rapid pace of events complicated the timing of his decision.
  • The former president's remarks come amid ongoing debates within the Democratic Party over the impact of his withdrawal timing on the 2024 election outcome.