On Thursday, May 8, 2025, former President Joe Biden made a notable return to the public eye during an hour-long appearance on ABC's "The View," alongside his wife, Dr. Jill Biden. This marked their first joint interview since leaving the White House and came shortly after Biden's first radio interview with the BBC since his presidency ended. The episode served as a platform for Biden to reflect on his administration's legacy, critique Donald Trump's early months in office, and address lingering questions about his own political future.
Opening the show, co-host Whoopi Goldberg remarked, "It is very difficult to process how much has happened since Joe Biden was last at this table," referencing Biden's last appearance in September 2024, when he sought to bolster the campaign of then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Now, as an ex-president, Biden was in a different position, aiming to defend his record while navigating a rapidly changing political landscape.
Throughout the broadcast, Biden faced pointed questions from the hosts, particularly regarding his decision to remain in the presidential race longer than many expected. When asked whether his late exit had harmed the Democratic ticket, Biden's responses lacked introspection. He stated he "wasn't surprised" by Harris's loss, attributing it to the Trump campaign's exploitation of sexist attitudes toward her. He also claimed, rather boldly, that he would have won had he stayed in the race.
As the conversation progressed, Biden's demeanor suggested a mix of confidence and defensiveness. He allowed Jill Biden to interject and finish his thoughts, particularly when the topic shifted to concerns about his cognitive abilities. This moment drew attention, as Biden's expression seemed to drift during his wife's remarks, leaving viewers wondering about his current state.
In a lighter moment, Biden engaged the audience with a quip about Trump, drawing laughter from the co-hosts. Joy Behar pointed out that Trump had mentioned Biden and his administration over 580 times as of late April, suggesting an unhealthy fixation. Biden humorously responded, "I beat him!" This moment of levity contrasted sharply with the more serious themes of the interview.
Goldberg and Behar attempted to guide the conversation in a way that showcased Biden's strengths, with Goldberg even exclaiming, "That was the dropping of the mic!" after one of Biden's retorts. However, the overall tone of the interview felt somewhat unproductive, as Biden's attempts to critique Trump often fell flat, lacking the sharpness needed to resonate with an audience eager for a more forceful opposition.
As the discussion turned to the current administration's performance, Biden did not hold back, labeling Trump's first 100 days "the worst" and commenting that "honesty's been his strong point"—a phrase that seemed to echo through the room but lacked the punch some viewers might have hoped for.
In addition to addressing Trump's actions, Biden tackled personal topics, including the public's perception of his cognitive decline. He firmly stated, "They are wrong," in response to reports questioning his mental acuity during his presidency. Jill Biden supported her husband, emphasizing the hard work he put in daily and dismissing the notion that he was not capable of handling the pressures of the office.
Jill Biden also faced scrutiny during the interview, particularly regarding claims that she created a "cocoon" around her husband, limiting his interactions with the media. She passionately defended her role, saying, "I was with Joe day and night. I saw him more than any other person." Her assertion aimed to dispel the narrative that she was overly protective of him during his presidency.
In a moment that highlighted the couple's dynamic, Jill corrected Goldberg when she mistakenly referred to them as "devout Catholics," clarifying that she identifies as a Presbyterian. This correction underscored the couple's unique religious backgrounds, with Jill previously commenting on the common misconception about her faith.
As the interview drew to a close, the couple reflected on the challenges they faced during Biden's presidency and the personal toll it took on them. Jill expressed her hurt over comparisons made by conservative media that likened her to Lady Macbeth, stating, "It was very hurtful, especially from some of our so-called friends." This candid moment showcased the human side of their political lives, revealing the emotional weight of public scrutiny.
The overall reception of Biden's return to the spotlight seems mixed. While some appreciated his humor and willingness to engage with tough questions, others felt that his performance did little to reclaim his narrative or effectively challenge Trump. As Biden navigates this new chapter as a former president, the question remains: how will he shape his legacy in a political landscape that continues to evolve?
In the end, the hour on "The View" served as a reminder of the complexities of political life, the challenges of public perception, and the enduring impact of past decisions. As Biden continues to write his memoir and reflect on his years in office, the American public watches closely, eager to see what comes next for a figure who has been a central player in the nation's political drama.
