Biden Reflects on Legacy, Age, and Potential Reelection in Exit Interview

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a candid exit interview with USA Today, President Joe Biden reflected on his legacy, acknowledged concerns about his age, and expressed confidence that he could have won a reelection bid against Donald Trump, though he admitted uncertainty about his ability to serve another four years. The interview, conducted in the Oval Office, offered a rare glimpse into Biden’s thoughts as he prepares to leave office.

“So far, so good,” Biden said when asked about his vigor. “But who knows what I’m going to be when I’m 86 years old?” The president, who turned 82 in 2024, is the oldest person to hold the office in U.S. history. His comments came amid widespread speculation about his health and stamina, particularly following a shaky debate performance in June that led to his withdrawal from the presidential race.

Biden defended his decision to step aside, saying he had no intention of running for president after his son Beau’s death in 2015. “I really thought I had the best chance of beating [Trump],” he said. “But I also wasn’t looking to be president when I was 85 years old, 86 years old.”

The president’s remarks highlighted the tension between his confidence in his political acumen and his awareness of his physical limitations. He pointed to his long experience in foreign policy as a key advantage, noting that he had known “every major world leader for a long time” and had navigated significant global changes during his tenure.

Biden also addressed his legacy, expressing hope that history would remember him for restoring the economy and reestablishing America’s leadership on the global stage. “I hope it records that I did it with honesty and integrity, that I said what was on my mind,” he said.

Despite his optimism, Biden acknowledged challenges, including his failure to effectively counter misinformation and the slow rollout of infrastructure projects. “Historians will talk about how great the impact was, but it didn’t have any immediate impact on people’s lives,” he said.

The interview underscored Biden’s complex relationship with Trump, whom he described as “very complimentary” during a private meeting after the election. However, Biden warned that Trump’s policies, such as tax cuts and tariffs, could harm the economy. “I think he’s just going to hurt himself, hurt the economy,” Biden said.

As Biden prepares to leave office, his reflections offer a window into the mind of a president grappling with his place in history, the challenges of aging, and the enduring impact of his decisions.