President Joe Biden dismissed the idea of pardoning himself as he considers using his clemency powers to protect critics of President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised to seek revenge when he returns to the White House on Jan. 20.
“Myself? Why should I pardon myself? No, I have no contemplation of pardoning myself. I didn’t do anything wrong,” Biden told reporters Friday during impromptu remarks and a Q&A session at the White House.
Biden confirmed he is considering issuing preemptive pardons in response to Trump’s rhetoric and the people the president-elect has nominated for important positions within his prospective administration.
With 10 days remaining in his own administration, Biden reflected on his post-presidency plans after the White House announced Friday he would address the nation in a prime-time speech next Wednesday.
“I’m not going to be out of sight or out of mind,” he said.
Biden, too, was asked whether he regretted his decision to stand down as the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee last summer, but he was adamant that he and Vice President Kamala Harris “could have beaten Trump.” Trump won last year’s Electoral College and popular vote.
“I didn’t want to be one who caused a party that wasn’t unified to lose an election. And that’s why I stepped aside. But I was confident she could win,” he said.
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Biden spoke to pool reporters after remarks regarding the economy and last month’s job numbers in an appearance added to his schedule at the last minute following his promise to them earlier in the day he would answer non-California fire questions later.
“I believe the economy I’m leaving is the best in the world and stronger than ever for all Americans,” he said. “So I think that’s what we have. We’ll see what the next president does.”
