President Biden told CBS News in an interview that will air in full on Sunday that he's "not confident at all" that there will be a peaceful transfer of power if former President Trump loses the upcoming election.
President Biden expressed deep concerns about the potential for violence if former President Trump loses the upcoming election, stating that he's "not confident at all" in a peaceful transfer of power.
In an interview set to air in full on "CBS Sunday Morning," Biden shared his apprehensions about the possibility of a peaceful transition following the Capitol Hill riots on January 6, 2020. When asked about his level of confidence in a peaceful transition, Biden initially misspoke, saying he wouldn't be confident "if Trump wins," before correcting himself.
Biden 'Not Confident at All' in a Peaceful Transfer of Power if Trump Loses
"If Trump loses, I'm not confident at all," Biden told CBS' Robert Costa in the preview clip.
Biden emphasized that he believes Trump's rhetoric is a direct threat to democracy. "He means what he says. We don't take him seriously. He means it. All this stuff about if we lose, there'll be a bloodbath," Biden said.
Biden 'Not Confident at All' in a Peaceful Transfer of Power if Trump Loses
Biden drew connections between Trump's language and his supporters' actions, citing efforts to influence vote counting in local election districts. "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."
Biden's comments come amidst ongoing concerns about the potential for political violence in the lead-up to the November election. Trump has been accused of inciting violence by his opponents, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who described his remarks as "dangerous" and "incitement to violence."
Biden 'Not Confident at All' in a Peaceful Transfer of Power if Trump Loses
Trump has repeatedly hinted at the possibility of violence if he loses, telling a crowd of supporters in Pennsylvania, for example, "We're not going to stand for it."
Biden's interview is his first since announcing his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race more than two weeks ago. Vice President Kamala Harris, who is now the Democratic nominee, has not given any interviews since emerging as the party's standard-bearer, drawing criticism from some corners.
Biden 'Not Confident at All' in a Peaceful Transfer of Power if Trump Loses
The full interview with Biden will air on "CBS Sunday Morning" this Sunday.
