President Joe Biden took command as he sat down live in studio with all six co-hosts of The View on Thursday.
The president reflected on his decision to step down in July, while criticizing his former opponent Donald Trump.
After a lengthy pause when asked about Trump, Biden said he has “no social redeeming value.”
The president said Trump is remarkably unconventional and lacks an understanding of the importance of partnerships, alliances and global unity.
“He really does not believe in democracy or the guardrails our system has set up to prevent the abuse of power,” Biden said. “Just look at what he says and what he does.”
President Joe Biden joins ABC’s “The View” for a live interview in New York, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024. With the President are Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin and Ana Navarro.
Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo
Biden also discussed the legacy he hopes to leave after more than 50 years in public service.
In July, President Joe Biden announced he will not seek reelection in the 2024 presidential race and threw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
Biden’s decision came after weeks of mounting pressure from within his own party and key Democratic donors, who urged him to step aside for the sake of the party’s future. It also followed his disastrous debate with Trump raising doubts about the incumbent’s fitness for office.
“It was the greatest honor in the world, sitting behind the desk as President of the United States,” Biden said. “I loved it, but I love my country more.”
President Joe Biden speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Washington.
Evan Vucci/AP Photo
Biden said he never fully believed the claims there was overwhelming reluctance within the Democratic Party, forcing him to step down from the race.
“I didn’t sense that,” Biden said. “My polling was always within range of beating this guy [Trump].”
Biden acknowledges some people wanted him to step aside for their own opportunities, which is human nature, but clarifies his decision to step down was based on personal reflection rather than external pressure.
No party’s presumptive presidential nominee has ever exited the race this close to an election.
In March 1968, President Lyndon Johnson, overwhelmed by the Vietnam War, announced he would not seek another term after just one state’s primary. In contrast, Biden decided in July after more than 14 million Democrats voted in support of him during the primary process.
Left: President Lyndon B. Johnson on the ranch in Stonewall, Texas in January 1969; Right: President Joe Biden speaks about climate at the Bloomberg Global Business Forum, in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024.
AP Photo
“I passed that torch to Kamala,” Biden said. “She is great, she is tough, she’s honorable. And the thing I like about her, and one thing we share in common, is that we have an optimistic view of the future. “
In a statement, Harris praised Biden’s “selfless and patriotic act” and expressed her intention to “earn and win” her party’s nomination.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump shakes hands with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia.
Alex Brandon/AP Photo
The 2024 Presidential Election is only 40 days away, featuring a high-stakes matchup between Harris and Trump.
Biden Reflects on Legacy
Biden concluded his time on The View by reflecting on his legacy and expressing how he wants to be remembered after leaving the White House in January.
Washington, DC. USA, June 9, 1987 Senator Joe Biden after announcing his candidacy for president in Wilmington, Delaware earlier in the morning, and taking the train to Washington DC. makes an appearance at the Dirksen Senate office building.
Mark Reinstein/AP Photo
“Have you figured out what’s worth losing over? If you haven’t, you might just be another business,” Biden said. “There are so many things worth losing over, and you can keep trying. What I want to be remembered for is being honest about what I’ve done.”
He said all politics is personal, even on an international level, and emphasized the importance of building relationships and trust.
“That’s what I like most about Kamala,” Biden said. “She believes in America, she believes in our capacity, she believes in who we are.”
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