Biden explains withdrawal: aiding colleagues, avoiding distraction

President Joe Biden gave his first major interview after withdrawing from the election race. He revealed what convinced him to step down from the fight for re-election. "But what happened was, a number of my Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate thought that I was gonna hurt them in the races," he said.

President Joe Biden gave CBS News Sunday Morning his first major interview since withdrawing from the re-election race. He explained that he made this decision with his family at the end of July.

- The polls we had showed that it was a neck-and-neck race, would have been down to the wire. But what happened was, a number of my Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate thought that I was gonna hurt them in the races. And I was concerned if I stayed in the race, that would be the topic. You'd be interviewing me about 'Why did Nancy Pelosi say…' 'Why did so-and-so…' And I thought it'd be a real distraction, number one. - Biden said.

- When I ran the first time, I thought of myself as being a transition President. I can't even say how old I am; it's hard for me to get it outta my mouth - Biden laughed.

Biden assessed that Donald Trump poses a “real threat” to the United States, and that the country is currently at a “turning point”.

The president was also asked about the debate with Donald Trump, which many commentators believed he lost. “I really, really had a bad day during that debate because I was sick,” he said. He assures that he has no serious health issues.

On July 21, Biden announced his withdrawal from the election race and endorsed incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris. On August 6, Harris received the support of 99 percent of the party's delegates. Her vice-presidential candidate is the governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz.

Many reports claim Nancy Pelosi persuaded Biden to withdraw from the election race. The politician has never denied this.

The US presidential election will take place on November 5.