Remarks by President Biden Before Air Force One Departure | Chicago, IL | The White HouseSkip to contentThe White HouseThe White House The White House Home AdministrationPrioritiesThe RecordBriefing RoomEspañol InstagramOpens in a new windowFacebookOpens in a new windowXOpens in a new windowYouTubeOpens in a new window Contact UsPrivacy PolicyCopyright PolicyAccessibility Statement MenuCloseTo search this site, enter a search termSearchMobile Menu OverlayAdministrationShow submenu for “Administration””President Joe BidenVice President Kamala HarrisFirst Lady Dr. Jill BidenSecond Gentleman Douglas EmhoffThe CabinetExecutive OfficesShow submenu for “Executive Offices””Council of Economic AdvisersCouncil on Environmental QualityDomestic Policy CouncilGender Policy CouncilNational Economic CouncilNational Security CouncilNational Space CouncilOffice of Intergovernmental AffairsOffice of Management and BudgetOffice of the National Cyber DirectorOffice of National Drug Control PolicyOffice of Public EngagementOffice of Science and Technology PolicyOffice of the United States Trade RepresentativeClimate Policy OfficePresidential Personnel OfficePrioritiesBriefing RoomThe White HouseShow submenu for “The White House””PresidentsFirst FamiliesThe GroundsOur GovernmentGet InvolvedShow submenu for “Get Involved””Write or Call The White HouseJoin UsWhite House FellowsWhite House Internship ProgramThe RecordDisclosuresEspañol Contact UsPrivacy PolicyCopyright PolicyAccessibility Statement InstagramOpens in a new windowFacebookOpens in a new windowXOpens in a new windowYouTubeOpens in a new window The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 To search this site, enter a search termSearchAugust 20, 2024 Remarks by President Biden Before Air Force One Departure | Chicago, IL Home Briefing Room Speeches and Remarks 12:13 A.M. CDTTHE PRESIDENT: I wanted to come over. You’ve been waiting a while. What — what do you got? Any questions? Q What did you think of that reception you got there tonight?THE PRESIDENT: Oh, it meant a lot to me. Very nice.Q Are you angry at Nancy Pelosi? Are you going to speak with her?THE PRESIDENT: No, I haven’t spoken to Nancy at all. I mean, look, I made — no — no one influenced my decision. No one knew it was coming.What I decided to do was — I didn’t want to — to the extent that the party thought they’d lose Senate seats or House seats, it — that would have been the topic you would have had to cover the entire remainder of the campaign, and it wasn’t worth it.Q You teared up a little bit. Was it emotional for you tonight?THE PRESIDENT: Well, it was. I mean, the reception was pretty overwhelming, and —Q Do you feel at peace with your choice, or do you think you still could have won?THE PRESIDENT: Well, you know, you always think you could have won. And if you go back and look at the numbers, we weren’t that far behind. It was like we talked about how this was — we were getting blown out. That’s not what we saw. But it was — it would have been close.What have happened though, if the discussion had been was I going to cost seats for Democrats, that would have been the whole subject matter for the remainder of the campaign. You’d have to cover it, that would be the issue, and it would give him an advantage. Anyway — Q Mr. President, earlier, you said that Don- — you were asked a question about Donald Trump saying that you were taken out of this race because of a coup, and you said something about his stability. Could you expand on that — your reaction to Donald Trump saying it was a coup to take you out of the race?THE PRESIDENT: (Laughs.) I think he has a problem. I mean, no one took me out of —Q On the ceasefire talks —Q Ceasefire talks —Q On the status of them today —Q Ga- — Gaza — THE PRESIDENT: It’s still in play. But, you know —Q What?THE PRESIDENT: It’s still in play.Q Okay.THE PRESIDENT: But you can’t predict what —So far, as of four hours ago — I’ve not spoken with my team in four hou- — well, probably six hours now — Israel says they can work it out. They’re prepared. But I was told Hamas was now backing off. But it remains to be seen. We’re going to keep pushing.Q Highlight — highlight — the highlight of the night for you, sir? The highlight?THE PRESIDENT: My daughter’s introduction.Thank you.12:17 A.M. CDT Next Post: Statement from President Joe Biden on the Passing of Phil Donahue Statement from President Joe Biden on the Passing of Phil Donahue August 20, 2024 •Statements and Releases Next Post Stay ConnectedSign UpEmail Address* RequiredZIP CodePlease leave blank.We'll be in touch with the latest information on how President Biden and his administration are working for the American people, as well as ways you can get involved and help our country build back better. 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