...
By Jesus Mesa
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
In his first U.S. television interview since leaving office, former President Joe Biden on Thursday acknowledged he bears some responsibility for Donald Trump's return to the White House.
"I do, because, look, I was in charge and he won. So, you know, I take responsibility," Biden said during a joint appearance with former First Lady Jill Biden on ABC's The View.
Why It Matters
Biden's comments signal a shift in tone as Democrats reckon with Trump's historic comeback. Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election after Biden bowed out late in the campaign, making him the first president since Grover Cleveland to win non-consecutive terms.
Read More on Politics
What To Know
The interview, broadcast live, was the couple's first joint media appearance since departing Washington in January. It marks a reentry into the public sphere for Biden, who has kept a relatively low profile following his decision not to seek reelection after a faltering debate performance in mid-2024.
Asked by co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin what he made of Trump's victory, Biden said he was "disappointed" but "not surprised" that Trump beat Harris.
Biden maintained he would have beaten Trump in the election, but said he accepted some blame for Trump's victory because of voter concerns about border security and the cost of living during his tenure.
...
While reflecting on the last election, Biden reaffirmed his belief that he could have defeated Trump again. "He still got sven million fewer votes," he said. "A lot of people didn't show up."
Trump, meanwhile, has continued to attack Biden publicly. At a recent cabinet meeting, he mentioned Biden by name 52 times, a fixation Biden dismissed. "I beat him," he said. "I'm used to dealing with bullies."
Biden also blasted Trump's early performance in his second term. "He's had the worst 100 days any president's ever had," the former president said. He criticized Trump's posture on foreign policy, particularly concerning NATO and key international alliances.
Regrets, He Has a Few
The Democrats faced intense scrutiny over the past year, culminating in Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 race and Harris failed presidential campaign. Critics questioned his cognitive ability, especially following his debate with Trump on CNN. On The View, Biden acknowledged, "I had a terrible night," but defended his broader record in office.
He pointed to the sexist and racial undertones in the attacks against Harris: "I have never seen as successful and quite as consistent a campaign undercutting the notion that a woman couldn't lead the country, and a woman of mixed race."
...
In addition to addressing the election and public concerns, Biden reflected on the broader political climate. He noted that liberal democracies around the world had seen setbacks and argued that leaders underestimated the lingering psychological and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on voters' attitudes.
"I think we underestimated the phenomenal impact that COVID and the pandemic had," Biden said.
Jill Biden also pushed back on accusations she had isolated her husband from the public. "It was very hurtful especially from some of our so-called friends," she said. "I did not create a cocoon around him. I mean, you saw him in the Oval Office. You saw him making speeches. He wasn't hiding somewhere."
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump told reporters during a meeting in the Oval Office on April 17: "Jimmy Carter died a happy man. You know why? Because he wasn't the worst president—Joe Biden was."
Former First Lady Jill Biden on The View: "Joe worked really hard. I think he was a great president. If you look at things today, give me Joe Biden anytime."
What Happens Next
While Biden asserted that he would have beaten Trump had he remained in the race, public opinion at the time of his departure tells a more complicated story. According to a CNN poll conducted in January 2025, Biden's approval rating stood at just 38 percent as he left office, with 58 percent disapproving of his job performance—a figure near his presidency's lowest marks.
Another Gallup survey found that 54 percent of Americans believed Biden would be remembered as a below-average or poor president, while only 19 percent expected him to be rated positively by history.
Biden, meanwhile, has hired a veteran Democratic communications specialist, suggesting he may be planning more media appearances.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines