In his first TV interview since stepping away from the presidential race, President Joe Biden issued a stark warning, calling Republican candidate Donald Trump “a real threat to American security.”
Speaking with CBS News in a pre-recorded interview aired on Sunday, Biden cautioned, “Mark my words, if Trump wins this election, watch what happens. He poses a serious risk to our nation’s safety. We’re at a crucial moment in world history, and democracy is at the heart of it.”
At 81, Biden has maintained a lower profile since withdrawing after a challenging debate performance against Trump raised concerns about his age and mental fitness.
During the brief interview, filmed at the White House last week, Biden appeared frail but sharp. He acknowledged his debate shortcomings but assured viewers that his health is not a significant issue.
Explaining his decision to exit the race, Biden mentioned that other Democratic leaders seeking re-election were worried his candidacy might harm their chances. He emphasized that his top priority remains preventing Trump from returning to power.
“Some of my Democratic colleagues in Congress were concerned I’d hurt them in the upcoming races,” Biden said. “But the most critical issue for me is preserving our democracy. We absolutely must defeat Trump.”
Biden expressed pride in his achievements in job creation, investment, and COVID-19 recovery, pledging to campaign vigorously for Vice President Kamala Harris, who has taken his place on the ballot.
“I’m committed to doing whatever Kamala needs me to do to help,” he said.
Biden’s age had been a focal point of the 2024 campaign, but with his departure, Democratic hopes have risen, as Harris has gained momentum, leaving Trump on the defensive.
Reflecting on his time in office, Biden revealed that he initially saw himself as a transitional president, only planning to serve one term. “I thought I was just here to help us transition. I can’t even believe how old I am, but things moved so fast, it just didn’t turn out that way,” he shared with CBS’s Robert Costa.
Trump’s light campaign schedule has drawn attention, with his running mate, J.D. Vance, taking the spotlight on Sunday morning political shows. Vance fielded questions on various topics, including white supremacist attacks, child care, asylum seekers, and abortion, and suggested that Harris was the real decision-maker in the Biden administration.
“If she’s not calling the shots, who is?” Vance questioned on CNN.
