During the event, which was closed to television cameras and microphones, President Biden expressed his doubts about running for a second term if Donald Trump wasn't also in the race. However, reporters who were traveling with the president were able to provide details of his comments. A Biden campaign official stated that the president's statement aligns with the campaign's focus on emphasizing the significance of the upcoming election and the threats to democracy itself.

Mr. Biden's comments come at a time when polls show that many Democrats prefer another candidate to represent the party in the next election. Concerns about Biden's age, health, mental competence, and ability to handle the job were cited as the main reasons for this sentiment. Despite describing himself as a “bridge” to the next generation during his 2020 campaign, Biden believes that he is the best candidate to defeat Trump again and justify seeking re-election. While he faces long-shot challengers in the Democratic primaries, Trump remains the frontrunner for the Republican nomination, leading by a significant margin in the polls.

The president's decision to run for re-election is driven by his determination to prevent Trump from returning to power, whom he considers an existential threat to American democracy. Biden argued that Trump's radical agenda, which includes prosecuting political foes, eliminating civil service protection, setting up detention camps for illegal immigrants, and utilizing military force to quell protests, poses a grave danger to the country.

During his remarks, Biden pointed out Trump's previous threats of “retribution” against perceived enemies, his promise to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and his support for further abortion restrictions. The president drew a parallel between Trump's rhetoric and the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis in Germany in the 1930s. Biden also mentioned Trump's absence from his inauguration, stating that he wasn't disappointed, but it was a notable absence.

Despite concerns from worried Democrats about Biden's age, his campaign aides dismissed these concerns, arguing that once the choice is clear, Democratic and independent voters will rally behind him to prevent Trump from returning to office. The president has a busy schedule ahead, with fundraising events in Boston and a trip to Nevada and California. While polls show a tight race between Trump and Biden, the president remains optimistic about his chances, citing his record-breaking 81 million votes in the 2020 election.