In a revealing interview with CBS News, President Joe Biden expressed significant doubts about the likelihood of a peaceful transfer of power if former President Donald Trump loses the upcoming election. Biden's remarks come amid heightened tensions and ongoing discussions about the integrity of the electoral process, particularly in light of the events surrounding the January 6 Capitol Hill riots.
"I'm not confident at all," Biden said when asked if he believed there would be a peaceful transition of power should Trump lose. The president quickly corrected himself after initially saying he wouldn't be confident if Trump wins. Biden elaborated, "He means what he says. We don't take him seriously. He means it. All this stuff about if we lose, there'd be a bloodbath."
Biden's comments were a direct reference to a speech Trump made in March during a rally in Ohio. In that speech, Trump ominously warned of a "bloodbath" if he was not re-elected, stating, "Now, if I don't get elected, it's going to be a bloodbath for the whole - that's gonna be the least of it. It's going to be a bloodbath for the country."
Biden took to social media to respond, writing, "It's clear this guy wants another January 6. But the American people are going to give him another resounding electoral defeat this November." Trump, in turn, defended his remarks on social media, asserting that his use of the word "bloodbath" referred to the economic impact of imports allowed under Biden's policies, which he claimed were harming the automobile industry.
This exchange underscores the ongoing political polarization and the contentious atmosphere surrounding the 2024 election. Biden's interview, conducted by CBS's Robert Costa, is set to air in full on CBS Sunday Morning this weekend. During the conversation, Biden emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles, stating, "You can't love your country only when you win."
The interview marks Biden's first since he announced his decision not to seek re-election, a move that has shaken the political landscape. Biden's decision was influenced by a series of setbacks, including a widely criticized debate performance against Trump and concerns about his health and cognitive abilities. On July 21, Biden officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor, a decision that has further intensified the political spotlight.
Harris has since announced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice-presidential running mate. This decision has drawn both praise and scrutiny, with Walz's extensive experience and moderate political stance being seen as assets. However, Biden's candid remarks about the potential for unrest if Trump loses highlight the underlying tensions that continue to pervade the political discourse.
Biden's concerns about a peaceful transition of power are not without precedent. The January 6 Capitol Hill riots, which followed Trump's defeat in the 2020 election, have left a lasting impact on the nation's political psyche. Biden referenced the riots during his interview, pointing to efforts to influence local election districts and vote counting processes. "Look what they're trying to do now. In the local election districts where people count the votes... they're putting people in place in states where they're gonna count the votes, right? You can't love your country only when you win," he said.
Trump's rhetoric and actions continue to be a focal point of controversy. His recent social media activity and public statements have kept him at the center of political debates, with his claims about the electoral process and his aggressive campaign strategies drawing significant attention.
