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President Joe Biden called himself a “transition president” in his first interview after dropping out of the race, saying he exited because of fears within his party that he could cost Democrats seats in Congress.
In a pre-recorded interview that aired on “CBS Sunday Morning” with Robert Costa, Biden said he exited the race because he feared being a “distraction” for down-ballot candidates — and specifically name-dropped Nancy Pelosi.
“What happened was a number of my Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate thought that I was gonna hurt them in the races. And I was concerned if I stayed in the race, that would be the topic,” Biden said, adding that he expected to face questions about Pelosi’s role. “I thought it’d be a real distraction.”
The president said it was this — combined with his belief that he was a “transition president” — that ultimately helped him make his decision to end his reelection bid. It came after a disastrous debate performance triggered dozens of Democrats to call on Biden to pass the torch, especially as he dipped in the polls against former President Donald Trump.
“When I ran the first time, I thought of myself as being a transition president. I can’t even say how old I am. It’s hard for me to get it outta my mouth,” Biden said. “But things got moving so quickly, it — didn’t happen.”
He also announced a campaign tour in Pennsylvania with Gov. Josh Shapiro, who was on Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate shortlist.
“We have got to win Pennsylvania, my original home state. He and I are puttin’ together a campaign tour in Pennsylvania,” Biden said. “And I’m gonna do whatever Kamala thinks I can do to help most.”
POLITICO previously reported that Harris wanted Biden’s support in targeted places that he won in 2020, such as Pennsylvania, especially with older white voters. Biden is also expected to make his first campaign appearance in the next few weeks after his speech at the Democratic National Convention, and then expected to have a limited campaign schedule this fall, strategically putting him in states like Pennsylvania.
Biden also offered some of his strongest language condemning Trump, and said that he isn’t confident that if Trump loses that there will be a peaceful transfer of power in January 2025. He had called the president a “threat to democracy” repeatedly on the campaign trail — but on Sunday added Trump is a threat to “American security.”
“Mark my words. If he wins … this election, watch what happens,” Biden said. “It’s a danger. He’s a genuine danger to American security.”
