In a recent interview with CBS News chief election and campaign correspondent Robert Costa, President Joe Biden shared his apprehension about a peaceful transfer of power in January 2025 if former President Donald Trump is defeated. President Biden stated, "He means what he says. We don't take him seriously. He means it. All the stuff about 'If we lose, there'll be a bloodbath, it'll have been a stolen [election].'"

President Biden emphasized the importance of taking Trump's comments seriously, especially regarding the potential for unrest and violence. He highlighted the pattern of Trump's rhetoric and expressed concern about the current efforts to influence local election districts involved in vote counting. The president reminded the audience that supporting the country extends beyond one's personal political victories, stating, "You can't love your country only when you win."

The reference to Trump's "bloodbath" comments made at an Ohio campaign rally in March caused significant controversy. While Biden's campaign and other Democrats expressed alarm, Trump and his allies argued that he was referring to the economic consequences of U.S. trade policy. Biden campaign spokesman James Singer interpreted Trump's words as a desire for another January 6th incident, but believed that the American people would reject such extremism and deliver another electoral defeat to Trump.

However, the Trump campaign dismissed Singer's interpretation as spin, with Trump himself taking to social media to clarify that his use of the term "bloodbath" was related to auto imports. During their June debate, when asked if he would accept the results of the November election, Trump expressed his willingness to do so if the election was deemed fair, legal, and good. He continued, however, to falsely claim fraud in the 2020 election.

In response to Trump's remarks, Biden accused him of being a "whiner" and questioned his ability to accept defeat, referencing his behavior following the 2020 election loss. The interview with President Biden will be aired on "CBS News Sunday Morning" on Sunday, August 11th, providing an opportunity for viewers to gain further insights into his decision to leave the race and his overall outlook for the country.

President Biden's concerns regarding a peaceful transfer of power in 2025 reflect the ongoing tension and polarized political landscape in the United States. As the 2024 presidential race heats up, his remarks serve as a reminder of the need for respectful and secure democratic processes to uphold the integrity of elections and ensure a smooth transition of power.