Former President Joe Biden recently emerged from relative silence, engaging in a media blitz to address criticisms of his past administration and challenge the narrative surrounding his loss to Donald Trump in the 2024 election. In a notable appearance on "The View," Biden defended his decision to remain in the race despite concerns about his age and fitness, asserting that he could have defeated Trump in a rematch.
During the interview, Biden faced direct questions about his leadership in the lead-up to the election, his relationships with key Democratic figures, and his accountability for Trump’s victory. While acknowledging responsibility due to his position as president, Biden attributed the challenging circumstances of 2024 to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and unprecedented inflation. He also admitted that his administration struggled to effectively communicate its accomplishments to the public.
The discussion extended to the future of former Vice President Kamala Harris, with Biden revealing that they remain in contact. He indicated that Harris is contemplating a run for president or a bid for governor of California, emphasizing the difficulty of her decision. Biden expressed hope for her continued involvement in politics, praising her capabilities while acknowledging the presence of other strong potential candidates.
Biden’s recent media appearances coincide with the upcoming release of several books promising detailed accounts of his administration’s efforts to downplay concerns about his age and mental sharpness. "Original Sin," authored by Axios’ Alex Thompson and CNN’s Jake Tapper, is slated for release on May 20. The book is advertised as a revealing exposé of how Biden, his family, and senior White House staff allegedly misled allies and the public regarding his health and limitations.
Another book, "2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America," scheduled for release on July 8, reportedly uncovers discussions among top aides about administering a cognitive test to Biden to address concerns about his fitness for a second term. The New York Times reported that this idea was ultimately abandoned.
Adding to the scrutiny, Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes released "Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House" in April, which also delves into the Biden administration’s attempts to manage perceptions of the president’s decline. Allen suggested that the book would surprise readers and disappoint those on the left by highlighting instances where Biden prioritized his personal ambitions over the interests of his party and the country.
Biden’s return to the public spotlight appears to be driven by two primary objectives: repairing his reputation and launching attacks against Trump. He has reportedly hired a Democratic strategist to assist in the former, while also criticizing the current administration’s policies, such as the reduction of staff at the Social Security Administration.
In his remarks at a conference of disability advocates in Chicago on April 15, Biden addressed the workforce reductions at the Social Security Administration, a move affecting over 7,000 employees.
During the interview, Biden did not hold back in his criticism of Trump’s performance since taking office. He characterized Trump’s first 100 days as the worst in presidential history, questioning his honesty and competence.
In an exclusive interview with the BBC earlier in the week, Biden condemned Trump’s suggestion that Ukraine should cede territory to Russia, labeling it "modern-day appeasement." He warned that such a stance would undermine confidence in American leadership among European allies.
Trump has consistently targeted Biden in speeches, social media posts, and executive orders, and the White House has responded to these criticisms. When asked why Trump frequently mentions him, Biden simply stated, "I beat him."
The Trump administration is reportedly planning to release audio recordings of Biden’s interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur, who investigated his handling of classified documents. Hur’s report previously drew attention to concerns about Biden’s mental acuity.
White House communications official Steven Cheung issued a statement on X, accusing Biden of being a "complete disgrace" to the country and the presidency. Cheung claimed that Biden has "lost all mental faculties" and criticized the decision to allow him to participate in interviews.
