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In a revealing interview with CBS News Sunday Morning, President Joe Biden finally opened up about the behind-the-scenes maneuvering that led to his sudden exit from the 2024 presidential race. The 81-year-old incumbent admitted that concerns from fellow Democrats, particularly former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, played a significant role in his decision to withdraw.
"A number of my Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate thought that I was going to hurt them in the races," Biden disclosed. He expressed worry that his continued candidacy would become a distraction, stating, "I was concerned if I stayed in the race, that would be the topic — you'd be interviewing me about why did Nancy Pelosi say something."
The admission comes after weeks of speculation about Pelosi's involvement in Biden's departure. While Pelosi has been coy about her role, sources close to the situation reported intense pressure from the former Speaker. "Nancy made clear that they could do this the easy way or the hard way," one Democrat told Politico.
Biden's struggles were apparent following a disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump in June. Polls showed him trailing in battleground states, though Biden maintains the race "would have been down to the wire." His debate fumble led to a cascade of gaffes that amplified concerns about his fitness for office.
The President also touched on his age, acknowledging, "I can't even say how old I am — it's hard for me to get out of my mouth." This candid admission reflects the growing unease among voters and party officials about Biden's capacity to serve another term.
In the wake of Biden's withdrawal, Vice President Kamala Harris has seen a surge in polling numbers. Biden immediately endorsed Harris upon his exit, signaling a united front for the Democratic Party moving forward.
Looking ahead, Biden pledged to support Harris's campaign actively. "I'm going to do whatever Kamala thinks I can do to help most," he stated, outlining plans to campaign in key states like Pennsylvania.
