Trump says Biden 'may very well stay in' the 2024 presidential race
WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump said it looks like President Joe Biden "may very well stay in" the 2024 presidential race but he is prepared if the incumbent withdraws.
"He's got an ego and he doesn't want to quit," Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity during a telephone interview that aired Monday night. If Biden does withdraw, or if Democrats somehow force him out, Trump said he would expect to run against Vice President Kamala Harris.
"I don't think he wants to get out," Trump told Hannity. "But, if he does get out, it will be her."
Trump spoke shortly after Biden insisted he is committed to re-election, despite calls from some Democrats that he step aside because of a poor June 27 debate performance that raised questions about his mental acuity. In a defiant letter to congressional Democrats, Biden said "It is time to come together, move forward as a unified party, and defeat Donald Trump."
Trump on running mate: Biden decision might influence choice
Trump and his campaign have been fairly low-key since the Biden debate, but he is preparing for two political rallies this week and an announcement of a running mate.
In the Hannity interview, Trump said Biden's fate might influence his final decision on a running mate, adding that he would make the announcement right before or during next week's Republican convention.
After Hannity mentioned specific names, — Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida, Tim Scott of South Carolina, and J.D. Vance of Ohio; North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum — Trump said all were under consideration.
"We have a lot of good people," Trump said. "We'll see what happens with Biden."
Biden aides said Trump has stayed off the campaign trail because he is a convicted felon who has nothing to say.
"He is still a habitual liar, still a 34-time convicted criminal, still running on his Project 2025 agenda to destroy America, make himself a dictator on day one, rip away our rights, and raise costs on the middle class to give tax cuts to the wealthy and price-gouging corporations," said Biden spokesperson James Singer.
"And," Singer added, "most importantly, still going to lose this November to Joe Biden."
'It was a strange evening'
Trump's next rally is Tuesday in Doral, Florida, on Tuesday, his first public event since June 28, the day after the debate in which Biden struggled with answers.
"It was a strange evening, I will tell you," Trump told Hannity.
Biden has said he had a bad night and is looking forward to another debate with Trump.
"I am firmly committed to staying in this race, to running this race to the end, and to beating Donald Trump," Biden said in his letter to congressional Democrats.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donald Trump tells Sean Hannity: Joe Biden doesn't want to quit race
