Biden’s Withdrawal Regrets and Garland’s Impact: Political Analysis Unveiled

President Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 election may haunt his legacy as he believes he could have ultimately triumphed over Trump.

At a Glance

Biden reflects on his one-term presidency with regret over the presidential withdrawal and Merrick Garland’s performance as Attorney General.
Biden believes if he had continued his campaign, he could have defeated Donald Trump.
Kamala Harris’s nomination after Biden’s exit led to the Democrats’ electoral defeat.
Criticism arises around Biden’s decision to appoint Merrick Garland and the impact of Hunter Biden investigations.

Biden’s Departure from the Race

Joe Biden’s 2024 presidential withdrawal remains etched with regret. Many Democrats pressured Biden to step aside after a poor first debate performance, declining approval ratings, and dwindling donations. His decision paved the way for Kamala Harris’s nomination, but this late switch left Harris with insufficient campaign time, culminating in losses in key battleground states both in the electoral college and popular vote.

Despite endorsing Harris, Biden maintains he could have secured a victory. Critics assert that his delayed withdrawal contradicted his 2020 promise of serving as a transitional president. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal noted, “Biden ran on the promise that he was going to be a transitional president, and in effect, have one term before handing it off to another generation.”

Garland’s Controversial Tenure

Biden’s tenure didn’t escape scrutiny due to his selection of Merrick Garland as Attorney General. Initially chosen to restore integrity to the Justice Department, Garland’s perceived sluggishness in prosecuting Trump stirred disappointment. Conversely, investigative focus on Hunter Biden drew both public and political ire. Biden now reflects that a different choice for Attorney General might have been more effective in bringing significant legal actions to Trump before the election.

“Your loyalty is not to me. It’s to the law, to the constitution, to the people of this nation.” – Joe Biden

The delay in prosecuting Trump’s cases arguably gave Trump a shield, avoiding trial ahead of the election. This allowed Trump to escape consequences that may have altered the electoral landscape. Special Counsel Jack Smith’s eventual actions to terminate criminal investigations following Trump’s victory reflected the tremendous pressure on judicial maneuvers.

A Transitional Presidency Not Realized

Biden reflects on his decision to step down as a regrettable misstep, believing a continued campaign might have altered the election outcome. Biden and his aides express frustration with the misjudgment over Garland’s appointment, regarding both its judicial and political implications. Many remember Biden’s pledge to act as a bridge to a new political era. His plan veered off course, however, as circumstances and decisions led to consequences felt by Democrats and the nation alike.

“I think his running again broke that concept – the conceptual underpinning of the theory that he would end the Trump appeal, he would defeat Trumpism and enable a new era.” – Richard Blumenthal

Ultimately, Biden’s tenure will be remembered for its unfulfilled promises and lingered opportunities. His reflection on Garland’s performance epitomizes the administration’s struggle to decisively counter the challenges left by his predecessor.