Overview

• Joe Biden privately expressed regret over withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race, believing he could have defeated Donald Trump in a rematch.
• Biden faced pressure from Democratic Party leaders to step aside after a poor debate performance and declining poll numbers, leading to his July withdrawal.
• Critics within the party argue that Biden's delayed exit left Kamala Harris with insufficient time to mount an effective campaign, contributing to her loss to Trump in November.
• Biden has also acknowledged other missteps during his presidency, including regrets over appointing Merrick Garland as attorney general and not branding pandemic relief efforts more effectively.
• Despite his regrets, Biden has refrained from blaming Harris for the election outcome, while some Democrats remain divided over his decision to seek re-election initially.