In a revealing interview just days before his presidency comes to an end, President Joe Biden expressed uncertainty about his fitness to serve another four-year term. During a candid discussion with USA Today, the 82-year-old leader touched on various topics, including his thoughts about the 2024 election, his interactions with President-elect Donald Trump, and concerns regarding his legacy.

When asked whether he felt he had the energy to continue as president, Biden's response was candid: “I don’t know.” He admitted that although he initially did not plan to run for president in 2020, he felt compelled to enter the race against Trump, stating, “I really thought I had the best chance of beating him. But I also wasn’t looking to be president when I was 85 years old, 86 years old.” This remark underscores the ongoing conversation about age and leadership in modern politics, especially as Biden navigates the complexities of a mounting political landscape.

Biden also alluded to the pressure he faced regarding potential pardons for individuals who could be targeted by Trump’s administration. He maintained that he had not finalized any decisions but expressed a desire to prevent unnecessary political retribution. Reflecting on their Oval Office meeting, Biden mentioned that he urged Trump against “going back and trying to settle scores," emphasizing a need for political decorum in transitioning leadership.

Beyond personal convictions, Biden's greatest fear is the potential dismantling of significant climate legislation that he signed into law in 2022, a pivot point in his presidency. He voiced his concerns about Trump’s influence and the possibility of reversing critical initiatives aimed at combating climate change, an increasingly urgent global issue.

In addition to political rivalries, Biden took Trump to task for statements relating to social issues, specifically the unfortunate vehicle attack in New Orleans that resulted in multiple fatalities. The FBI's findings indicated that the assailant was a U.S. citizen, yet Trump suggested an immigrant was responsible, a claim Biden believes could mislead the public. “How do you deal with that?” Biden questioned as he confronted the challenges of misinformation propagated by his predecessor.

As Biden prepares to leave office, political analysts speculate on the ramifications of his leadership and the direction of the Democratic Party, especially in light of his endorsement of Kamala Harris, who faced defeat in the 2024 election. The conversations surrounding Biden’s age, leadership style, and the future of Democratic initiatives will likely continue to unfold as the nation moves into a new chapter of governance.