'Things got moving so quickly': Biden discusses reasons for not passing the torch earlier
He also declared his intention to join the campaign trail in support of Vice President Kamala Harris.
TroibNews 
President Joe Biden referred to himself as a “transition president” during his first interview after exiting the race, explaining that he stepped back due to concerns within his party that his candidacy could jeopardize Democratic seats in Congress.
In a pre-recorded interview broadcast on “CBS Sunday Morning” with Robert Costa, Biden articulated his decision to withdraw from the race, expressing his worries about becoming a “distraction” for down-ballot candidates, specifically mentioning 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 stated, noting his expectations regarding questions about Pelosi's influence. “I thought it'd be a real distraction.”
The president indicated that this concern, along with his view of himself as a “transition president,” ultimately influenced his choice to end his reelection pursuit. His decision came on the heels of a lackluster debate performance that prompted many Democrats to urge him to pass the torch, particularly as he saw a decline in polls compared to 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 remarked. “But things got moving so quickly, it — didn't happen.”
He also revealed plans for a campaign tour in Pennsylvania alongside Governor Josh Shapiro, who had been considered a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris.
“We have got to win Pennsylvania, my original home state. He and I are puttin' together a campaign tour in Pennsylvania,” Biden explained, adding, “And I'm gonna do whatever Kamala thinks I can do to help most.”
According to previous reports from POLITICO, Harris sought Biden's backing in strategically important areas he won in 2020, like Pennsylvania, especially among older white voters. Biden is also anticipated to make his first campaign appearance in the coming weeks following his address at the Democratic National Convention, with a limited campaign schedule planned for this fall that will focus on states such as Pennsylvania.
In addition, Biden delivered some of his strongest remarks condemning Trump, expressing unease over the potential lack of a peaceful transition of power if Trump loses the election in January 2025. Throughout his campaigning, he has repeatedly labeled the former president a “threat to democracy” but elaborated on Sunday that Trump poses a threat to “American security.”
“Mark my words. If he wins … this election, watch what happens,” Biden warned. “It's a danger. He's a genuine danger to American security.”
Rohan Mehta contributed to this report for TROIB News
In a pre-recorded interview broadcast on “CBS Sunday Morning” with Robert Costa, Biden articulated his decision to withdraw from the race, expressing his worries about becoming a “distraction” for down-ballot candidates, specifically mentioning 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 stated, noting his expectations regarding questions about Pelosi's influence. “I thought it'd be a real distraction.”
The president indicated that this concern, along with his view of himself as a “transition president,” ultimately influenced his choice to end his reelection pursuit. His decision came on the heels of a lackluster debate performance that prompted many Democrats to urge him to pass the torch, particularly as he saw a decline in polls compared to 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 remarked. “But things got moving so quickly, it — didn't happen.”
He also revealed plans for a campaign tour in Pennsylvania alongside Governor Josh Shapiro, who had been considered a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris.
“We have got to win Pennsylvania, my original home state. He and I are puttin' together a campaign tour in Pennsylvania,” Biden explained, adding, “And I'm gonna do whatever Kamala thinks I can do to help most.”
According to previous reports from POLITICO, Harris sought Biden's backing in strategically important areas he won in 2020, like Pennsylvania, especially among older white voters. Biden is also anticipated to make his first campaign appearance in the coming weeks following his address at the Democratic National Convention, with a limited campaign schedule planned for this fall that will focus on states such as Pennsylvania.
In addition, Biden delivered some of his strongest remarks condemning Trump, expressing unease over the potential lack of a peaceful transition of power if Trump loses the election in January 2025. Throughout his campaigning, he has repeatedly labeled the former president a “threat to democracy” but elaborated on Sunday that Trump poses a threat to “American security.”
“Mark my words. If he wins … this election, watch what happens,” Biden warned. “It's a danger. He's a genuine danger to American security.”
Rohan Mehta contributed to this report for TROIB News
