For the first time during his presidency, President Joe Biden made an appearance in the White House briefing room, where he raised concerns about potential violence in the upcoming election. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Biden expressed uncertainty about whether the election would remain peaceful, citing the rhetoric of GOP nominee Donald Trump as a contributing factor to his worries.
When asked by NPR White House correspondent Tamara Keith if he had confidence that the election would be “free and fair” and peaceful, Biden responded, “I’m confident it will be free and fair. I don’t know whether it will be peaceful. The things that Trump has said, and the things that he said last time … when he didn’t like the outcome of the election were very dangerous.”
Biden also pointed to remarks by Ohio Senator JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential candidate, saying, “Have you noticed? I noticed that the vice-presidential Republican candidate [Vance] did not say he’d accept the outcome of the election and hasn’t even accepted the outcome of the last election. So, I’m concerned about what they’re going to do.”
Biden’s appearance was unexpected, with many seats in the press room left empty, according to the New York Post. During the session, reporters also posed questions about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“I can only hope that it’s going to be free and fair, and I think in this state it will be, and I hope in every state it will be. And I think we’re going to do very well,” Biden added.
As he was leaving, one reporter asked if Biden would consider re-entering the presidential race. In response, Biden quipped, “I’m back in,” prompting laughter from the room.
