Lame-duck President Joe Biden‘s insistence that he could have defeated President-elect Donald J. Trump in the 2024 presidential election is “absolutely bonkers,” according to data guru Harry Enten. In a video posted to X (formerly Twitter), the CNN analyst breaks down just how far Biden trailed Trump when the 82-year-old Democrat announced he would exit the race in late July—noting that polling data in no way reflects the claim.
“Based on the polling data, I categorize Biden’s statement that he could have beaten Trump as ‘flat out bonkers,’” Enten states on X. He adds: “Biden was well behind Trump when he dropped out. Biden never led in all of 2024. And no incumbent president who was anywhere near as unpopular as Biden has ever won.”
Despite all evidence, Biden and a handful of aides in his inner circle insist that he, and not any other Democrat, stood the best chance against Trump. However, in the video, Enten emphasizes: “The bottom line is this: Joe Biden was behind, he had always been behind, and he most likely would have stayed behind.”
Based on the polling data, I categorize Biden's statement that he could have beaten Trump as "flat out bonkers."
Biden was well behind Trump when he dropped out. Biden never led in all of 2024. And no incumbent president who was anywhere near as unpopular as Biden has ever won. pic.twitter.com/lGk9h8pygU
— (((Harry Enten))) (@ForecasterEnten) January 8, 2025
Biden withdrew from the presidential race on July 21, 2024, amid mounting pressure following a catastrophic performance in a CNN debate in June, which led to heightened scrutiny about his advanced age, cognitive decline, and capability to serve a full term. He subsequently endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to continue the Democratic Party’s presidential campaign.
Despite the data, Biden expressed confidence in an interview with USA Today‘s Susan Page, maintaining he would have defeated Trump if he had stayed in the race. Nevertheless, he appeared uncertain about whether he would have been able to serve until the end of a potential second term, saying, “Who the hell knows?” […]
— Read More: thenationalpulse.com
