Biden says he'd be okay losing to Trump, 'as long as I gave it my all'
Erin Snodgrass
Jul 5, 2024
BUSINESS INSIDER
Joe Biden (left) and Donald Trump (right). Chris Szagola/AP images, Evan Vucci/AP images, Tyler Le/BI
President Joe Biden indicated he would be fine losing to Trump as long as he put up a good fight.
The 81-year-old president made the comments during his first post-debate interview on Friday.
Biden continues to present a defiant front even as concerns about his candidacy mount.
President Joe Biden suggested he would be OK losing to former President Donald Trump in November "as long as I gave it my all" — undercutting the heart of his 2024 presidential platform as concerns about his candidacy continue to grow.
On Friday, the 81-year-old Biden sat for his first interview since his disastrous debate performance last week, speaking with ABC News's George Stephanopoulos and attempting to assuage doubts about his fitness for office, including increasing anxiety from within his own party.
Biden has long positioned himself as the best bet to protect American democracy from another four years of Trump. In interviews and stump speeches, Biden paints a picture of chaos and collapse should Trump take the White House again. Biden's campaign has explicitly accused Trump of being in the race only for himself, meanwhile framing Biden as being a candidate for the people.
Biden under fire for appearing unsure whether he has watched his disastrous debate performance
5 takeaways from Biden's first interview following his disastrous debate performance
But near the end of his Friday interview, Biden gave an answer that seemed to contradict his greater-good narrative.
"If you stay in and Trump is elected and everything you're warning about comes to pass, how will you feel in January?" Stephanopoulos asked.
"I'll feel as long as I gave it my all, and I did as good a job as I know I can do, that's what this is about," Biden responded.
The response appeared as definitive an insight as any into Biden's stubborn mindset amid mounting calls for him to drop out of the race.
Four House Democrats and a growing number of liberal donors have publicly called for Biden's replacement. While some reports have suggested Biden is privately weighing whether he can save his reelection bid, he has been firm in his public promise to stay in the race.
Denial proved a prevailing theme throughout Biden's interview with ABC. He chalked up his debate performance to "a bad night," repeatedly dodged questions about his age and cognitive abilities, and disputed poll numbers that show him points behind Trump.
When asked what it would take for him to drop out of the race, Biden attempted to duck the question with a joke, telling Stephanopoulos that he would only step down if "the Lord Almighty" himself came down and told him he couldn't win.
President Joe Biden indicated he would be fine losing to Trump as long as he put up a good fight.
The 81-year-old president made the comments during his first post-debate interview on Friday.
Biden continues to present a defiant front even as concerns about his candidacy mount.
President Joe Biden suggested he would be OK losing to former President Donald Trump in November "as long as I gave it my all" — undercutting the heart of his 2024 presidential platform as concerns about his candidacy continue to grow.
On Friday, the 81-year-old Biden sat for his first interview since his disastrous debate performance last week, speaking with ABC News's George Stephanopoulos and attempting to assuage doubts about his fitness for office, including increasing anxiety from within his own party.
Biden has long positioned himself as the best bet to protect American democracy from another four years of Trump. In interviews and stump speeches, Biden paints a picture of chaos and collapse should Trump take the White House again. Biden's campaign has explicitly accused Trump of being in the race only for himself, meanwhile framing Biden as being a candidate for the people.
Biden under fire for appearing unsure whether he has watched his disastrous debate performance
5 takeaways from Biden's first interview following his disastrous debate performance
But near the end of his Friday interview, Biden gave an answer that seemed to contradict his greater-good narrative.
"If you stay in and Trump is elected and everything you're warning about comes to pass, how will you feel in January?" Stephanopoulos asked.
"I'll feel as long as I gave it my all, and I did as good a job as I know I can do, that's what this is about," Biden responded.
The response appeared as definitive an insight as any into Biden's stubborn mindset amid mounting calls for him to drop out of the race.
Four House Democrats and a growing number of liberal donors have publicly called for Biden's replacement. While some reports have suggested Biden is privately weighing whether he can save his reelection bid, he has been firm in his public promise to stay in the race.
Denial proved a prevailing theme throughout Biden's interview with ABC. He chalked up his debate performance to "a bad night," repeatedly dodged questions about his age and cognitive abilities, and disputed poll numbers that show him points behind Trump.
When asked what it would take for him to drop out of the race, Biden attempted to duck the question with a joke, telling Stephanopoulos that he would only step down if "the Lord Almighty" himself came down and told him he couldn't win.
Trump distances himself from Project 2025
"Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them," says Donald Trump of conservative plan, described by its promoters as "second American Revolution."
.jpg)
REUTERS
Trump's campaign has previously warned outside allies not to presume to speak for the former president and suggested their transition-in-waiting efforts were unhelpful. / Photo: Reuters Archive
Donald Trump has distanced himself from Project 2025, a sweeping federal government overhaul proposed by his longtime allies and former administration officials, a decision that came after the think-tank leader behind the programme hinted at a potential "second American Revolution."
"I know nothing about Project 2025," Trump posted on his social media website on Friday.
"I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things they're saying, and some of the things they're saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal. Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them."
Trump has detailed his own agenda for government reform if re-elected, proposing the largest deportation operation of undocumented immigrants in US history and considering tariffs on all imports.
His campaign has previously warned outside allies not to presume to speak for the former president and suggested their transition-in-waiting efforts were unhelpful.
The Heritage Foundation think-tank is spearheading Project 2025 — a conservative initiative aimed at implementing significant government reforms, alleging corruption by the left-wing.
Project 2025 outlines a dramatic expansion of presidential power and a plan to reportedly fire as many as 50,000 government workers to replace them with Trump loyalists.
There are four pillars the project aims to build upon:
— Restore the family as the centrepiece of American life and protect children.
— Dismantle the administrative state and return self-governance to the American people.
— Defend the nation's sovereignty, borders, and bounty against global threats.
— Secure the God-given individual rights to live freely — what the US Constitution calls "the Blessings of Liberty."
What will be affected?
The plan will affect a wide range of topics that concern the American public, from immigration, abortion, climate and education.
Immigration, for example, will be met with increased funding for the wall on the US-Mexico border. Other proposals suggest an increased fee on immigrants.
Regarding climate policy, global carbon reduction targets would be replaced with initiatives to boost energy production and security. The proposal advocates for cuts in renewable energy investments and urges the next president, whether Trump or another, to cease hostility towards oil and natural gas.
Unlike some other extreme stances, the project doesn't push for a nationwide ban on abortion. It proposes, however, withdrawing the abortion pill mifepristone from the market.
The project also seeks to outlaw pornography and warns companies providing access to such content of potential shutdowns. It also opposes what it terms the "woke" agenda and advocates for increased parental control in schools.
'Second American Revolution'
Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts said on Steve Bannon's "War Room" podcast on Tuesday that Republicans are "in the process of taking this country back."
Former US Representative Dave Brat of Virginia hosted the show for Bannon, who is serving a four-month prison term.
"We are in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be," Roberts said.
Those remarks spread widely online and drew strong criticism from President Joe Biden's campaign. In a statement, they accused Trump and his allies of harbouring fantasies of a violent revolution aimed at undermining the fundamental principles of America.
"Trump's campaign advisors and close allies wrote it — and are doing everything they can to elect him so he can execute their playbook immediately," the Biden campaign says on its website.
SOURCE: TRTWORLD AND AGENCIES
"Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them," says Donald Trump of conservative plan, described by its promoters as "second American Revolution."
.jpg)
REUTERS
Trump's campaign has previously warned outside allies not to presume to speak for the former president and suggested their transition-in-waiting efforts were unhelpful. / Photo: Reuters Archive
Donald Trump has distanced himself from Project 2025, a sweeping federal government overhaul proposed by his longtime allies and former administration officials, a decision that came after the think-tank leader behind the programme hinted at a potential "second American Revolution."
"I know nothing about Project 2025," Trump posted on his social media website on Friday.
"I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things they're saying, and some of the things they're saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal. Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them."
Trump has detailed his own agenda for government reform if re-elected, proposing the largest deportation operation of undocumented immigrants in US history and considering tariffs on all imports.
His campaign has previously warned outside allies not to presume to speak for the former president and suggested their transition-in-waiting efforts were unhelpful.
The Heritage Foundation think-tank is spearheading Project 2025 — a conservative initiative aimed at implementing significant government reforms, alleging corruption by the left-wing.
Project 2025 outlines a dramatic expansion of presidential power and a plan to reportedly fire as many as 50,000 government workers to replace them with Trump loyalists.
There are four pillars the project aims to build upon:
— Restore the family as the centrepiece of American life and protect children.
— Dismantle the administrative state and return self-governance to the American people.
— Defend the nation's sovereignty, borders, and bounty against global threats.
— Secure the God-given individual rights to live freely — what the US Constitution calls "the Blessings of Liberty."
What will be affected?
The plan will affect a wide range of topics that concern the American public, from immigration, abortion, climate and education.
Immigration, for example, will be met with increased funding for the wall on the US-Mexico border. Other proposals suggest an increased fee on immigrants.
Regarding climate policy, global carbon reduction targets would be replaced with initiatives to boost energy production and security. The proposal advocates for cuts in renewable energy investments and urges the next president, whether Trump or another, to cease hostility towards oil and natural gas.
Unlike some other extreme stances, the project doesn't push for a nationwide ban on abortion. It proposes, however, withdrawing the abortion pill mifepristone from the market.
The project also seeks to outlaw pornography and warns companies providing access to such content of potential shutdowns. It also opposes what it terms the "woke" agenda and advocates for increased parental control in schools.
'Second American Revolution'
Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts said on Steve Bannon's "War Room" podcast on Tuesday that Republicans are "in the process of taking this country back."
Former US Representative Dave Brat of Virginia hosted the show for Bannon, who is serving a four-month prison term.
"We are in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be," Roberts said.
Those remarks spread widely online and drew strong criticism from President Joe Biden's campaign. In a statement, they accused Trump and his allies of harbouring fantasies of a violent revolution aimed at undermining the fundamental principles of America.
"Trump's campaign advisors and close allies wrote it — and are doing everything they can to elect him so he can execute their playbook immediately," the Biden campaign says on its website.
SOURCE: TRTWORLD AND AGENCIES
Donald Trump Allies' Project 2025 Comments Resurface after He Denies Role
Project 2025 Leader Unveils Plan for Life After Second American Revolution
By Kate Plummer
Published Jul 06, 2024
Comments about Project 2025 from Donald Trump allies have resurfaced after the former president denied any connection with the plan by a conservative think tank to reshape federal government.
Developed by right-wing policy group The Heritage Foundation, Project 2025 proposes to install Republican loyalists at every level of federal departments, if Trump is reelected in November.
The 900-page document has contributions from more than 30 authors and 50 conservative-leaning campaign groups, other think tanks, educational institutions and publications. Project 2025 also proposes repealing policies of the previous administration within the first six months of a second Trump administration, including environmental regulations and social policies.
On Friday, Trump appeared to criticize the plan while denying his involvement in it.
Project 2025 Leader Unveils Plan for Life After Second American Revolution
By Kate Plummer
Published Jul 06, 2024
Comments about Project 2025 from Donald Trump allies have resurfaced after the former president denied any connection with the plan by a conservative think tank to reshape federal government.
Developed by right-wing policy group The Heritage Foundation, Project 2025 proposes to install Republican loyalists at every level of federal departments, if Trump is reelected in November.
The 900-page document has contributions from more than 30 authors and 50 conservative-leaning campaign groups, other think tanks, educational institutions and publications. Project 2025 also proposes repealing policies of the previous administration within the first six months of a second Trump administration, including environmental regulations and social policies.
On Friday, Trump appeared to criticize the plan while denying his involvement in it.
Former president Donald Trump. He has denied involvement in Project 2025, but multiple supporters of Trump are linked with it. AP PHOTO/GERALD HERBERT, FILE
"I know nothing about Project 2025. I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things they're saying and some of the things they're saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal. Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Friday.
But Trump allies have commented on the project in the past and appear to suggest the presumptive Republican presidential candidate must have known about it, as per resurfaced posts on social media.
Kevin Roberts, currently President of the Heritage Foundation, has even credited Trump with creating Project 2025.
Speaking at a Christian conference in February in Nashville, Texas, he said: "Our Project 2025 has developed a comprehensive policy agenda but even more importantly recruiting people, 20,000 people, to go into the next administration hopefully to help take back this country for you and for your audiences."
He continued: "We want no credit, we want the American people if President Trump is elected again, President Trump and his administration to take credit for that."
A video of his speech was tweeted by American film director Morgan J. Freeman.
Some advisers involved in Project 2025 are also Trump allies. One is Russell Vought, who was Trump's director of the Office of Management and Budget from July 2020 to January 2021, as pointed out by the Biden campaign on X. Another is Paul Dans, who worked in the Trump administration.
Newsweek contacted a representative for Trump by email to comment on this story.
Critics have said Project 2025 will limit democracy and social welfare, while supporters say it is necessary to streamline the federal government and reduce spending.
"I know nothing about Project 2025. I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things they're saying and some of the things they're saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal. Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Friday.
But Trump allies have commented on the project in the past and appear to suggest the presumptive Republican presidential candidate must have known about it, as per resurfaced posts on social media.
Kevin Roberts, currently President of the Heritage Foundation, has even credited Trump with creating Project 2025.
Speaking at a Christian conference in February in Nashville, Texas, he said: "Our Project 2025 has developed a comprehensive policy agenda but even more importantly recruiting people, 20,000 people, to go into the next administration hopefully to help take back this country for you and for your audiences."
He continued: "We want no credit, we want the American people if President Trump is elected again, President Trump and his administration to take credit for that."
A video of his speech was tweeted by American film director Morgan J. Freeman.
Some advisers involved in Project 2025 are also Trump allies. One is Russell Vought, who was Trump's director of the Office of Management and Budget from July 2020 to January 2021, as pointed out by the Biden campaign on X. Another is Paul Dans, who worked in the Trump administration.
Newsweek contacted a representative for Trump by email to comment on this story.
Critics have said Project 2025 will limit democracy and social welfare, while supporters say it is necessary to streamline the federal government and reduce spending.
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