Full transcript: ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos’ exclusive interview with President Joe Biden

President Joe Biden, in his first tv interview since his CNN debate with former President Donald Trump, sat down with ABC Information anchor George Stephanopoulos in Madison, Wisconsin, on Friday.

Beneath is a full transcript of the trade between Biden and Stephanopoulos.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: Mr. President, thanks for doing this.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Thanks for having me.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: Let’s begin with the controversy. eh, You and your workforce stated, have stated you had a nasty night time. However your–

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Positive did.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: However your buddy Nancy Pelosi really framed the query that I feel is on the minds of thousands and thousands of People. Was this a nasty episode or the signal of a extra critical situation?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: It was a nasty episode. No indication of any critical situation. I used to be exhausted. I did not hearken to my instincts by way of making ready and– and a nasty night time.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: , you say you have been exhausted. And– and I do know you have stated that earlier than as nicely, however you came– and you probably did have a troublesome month. However you got here residence from Europe about 11 or 12 days earlier than the controversy, spent six days in Camp David. Why wasn’t that sufficient relaxation time, sufficient restoration time?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: As a result of I used to be sick. I used to be feeling horrible. Matter of reality, the docs with me. I requested in the event that they did a COVID check as a result of they’re making an attempt to determine what was mistaken. They did a check to see whether or not or not I had some an infection, you already know, a virus. I did not. I simply had a very dangerous chilly.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: And– did you ever watch the controversy afterwards?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: I do not suppose I did, no.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: Nicely, what I am try– what I need to get at is, what have been you experiencing as you have been going by way of the controversy? Did you know the way badly it was going?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Yeah, look. The entire approach I ready, no person’s fault, mine. No one’s fault however mine. I, uh– I ready what I often would do sittin’ down as I did come again with international leaders or Nationwide Safety Council for express element. And I spotted–bout partway by way of that, you already know, all– I get quoted the New York Instances had me down, at ten factors earlier than the controversy, 9 now, or regardless of the hell it’s. The actual fact of the matter is, what I checked out is that he additionally lied 28 occasions. I could not– I imply, the best way the controversy ran, not– my fault, nobody else’s fault, nobody else’s fault.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: But it surely appeared such as you have been having hassle from the primary query in, even earlier than he spoke.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Nicely, I simply had a nasty night time. You’ve got had some dangerous interviews from time to time. I– I can not keep in mind any, however I am certain you probably did.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: I’ve had loads. I assume the query of– the issue is right here for lots of People watching is, you have stated going again to 2020, “Watch me,” to people who find themselves involved about your age. And, you already know, 50 million People watched that debate. It appeared to verify fears they already had.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Nicely, look. After that debate, I did ten main occasions in a row, together with till 2:00 within the morning after the controversy. I did occasions in North Carolina. I did occasions in-in in Georgia, did occasions like this right this moment, giant crowds, overwhelming response, no– no– no slipping. And so, I simply had a nasty night time. I do not know why.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: And– how– how shortly did it– did it come to you that you just have been having that dangerous night time?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Nicely, it got here to me I used to be havin’ a nasty night time after I realized that even after I was answering a query, despite the fact that they turned his mic off, he was nonetheless shouting. And I– I let it distract me. I– I am not blaming it on that, however I spotted that I simply wasn’t in management.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: A part of the opposite concern is that– this appears to suit right into a sample of decline that has been reported on just lately. New York Instances had a headline on July 2nd, “Biden’s lapses are stated to be more and more frequent and worrisome.” Here is what they wrote.

“Individuals who’ve frolicked with President Biden over the previous few months or so stated the lapses seem to have grown extra frequent, extra pronounced, and after Thursday d– Thursday’s debate, extra worrisome. By many accounts, as evidenced by video footage, commentary, and interviews, Mr. Biden just isn’t the identical right this moment as he was even when he took workplace three-and-a-half years in the past.” Comparable reporting in The Washington Publish and the Wall Road Journal. Are you a similar man right this moment that you just have been while you took workplace three-and-a-half years in the past?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: When it comes to successes, sure. I additionally was the man who put collectively a peace plan for the Center East that could be comin’ to fruition. I used to be additionally the man that expanded NATO. I used to be additionally the man that grew the economic system. All the person issues that have been performed have been concepts I had or I fulfilled. I moved on.

And so, for instance, you already know, “We-Nicely, that was true then, what’s Biden performed these days?” Di-you-just simply see right this moment, simply introduced 200,000 new jobs. We’re movin’ within the course that nobody’s ever taken on. I do know you already know this from days in– in– in the– within the authorities.

I took on large pharma. I beat them. Nobody stated I may beat them. I took on all of the issues we stated we bought performed, have been informed we could not get performed. And a part of it’s what I stated after I ran was I needed to do three issues: Restore some decency to the workplace, restore some help for the center class as a substitute of trickle down economics each from the center out and the underside up the best way the rich nonetheless do tremendous, everybody does higher, and unite the nation.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: However what has all that work during the last three-and-a-half years value you bodily, mentally, emotionally?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Nicely, I– I– I simply suppose it value me a very dangerous night time, dangerous run, however, you already know, I– George. I’ve– I am optimistic about this nation. I do not suppose we’re a rustic of losers that he factors out. I do not suppose America’s in powerful form. I feel America is on the cusp of breaking by way of in so many unbelievable alternatives.

On this subsequent time period, I am gonna make certain we gotta– straighten out the tax system. I am gonna make certain we’re in a state of affairs the place we’ve got healthcare for all folks, the place we’re able the place we have– have childcare and eldercare, free up– and all this stuff.

One factor I am proudest of is, keep in mind when my financial plan was put ahead? Quite a lot of the mainstream economists stated, “This isn’t gonna work.” Guess what? We now have 16 Nobel laureates, 16 of ’em in economics saying that “Biden’s subsequent time period could be a sig– enor– based mostly on what he needs to do, huge success.” Trump’s plan would trigger a recession and sig-nif– gi– enhance inflation. I’ve made nice progress, and that is what I plan on doin’. And we are able to do that.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: I– I– I perceive that, and I am not disputing that. What I am asking you is– about your private state of affairs. Do you dispute that there have been extra lapses, particularly within the final a number of months?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Can I run the 100 in 10 flat? No. However I am nonetheless in good condition.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: Are you extra frail?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: No.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: I do know you

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Come maintain my schedule. (LAUGH)

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: I do know you spoke together with your physician after the controversy. What did he say?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: He stated he– simply checked out me and stated, “You are exhausted.” That is it. I’ve medical docs journey with me in all places. Each President does, as you already know. Medical docs, a number of the finest on the earth journey with me in all places I am going. I’ve an ongoing evaluation of what I am doin’, they usually do not hesitate to inform me in the event that they suppose there’s one thing mistaken.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: I do know you stated you will have an ongoing evaluation. Have you ever had a full neurological and cognitive analysis?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: I’ve had– I get a full neurological check on a regular basis with me. And I’ve had a full bodily. I had, you already know, I imply, I– I have been at Walter Reed for my physicals. I mean–uhm sure, the reply.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: I– I do know your physician stated he consulted with a neurologist. I– I assume I am asking– a barely totally different query. Have you ever had the particular cognitive assessments, and have you ever had a neurologist, a specialist, do an examination?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: No. Nobody stated I needed to. Nobody stated. They stated I am good.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: Would you be keen to endure an impartial medical analysis that included neurological and cognit– cognitive assessments and launch the outcomes to the American folks?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Look. I’ve a cognitive check each single day. On daily basis I’ve that check. Every little thing I do. , not solely am I campaigning, however I am working the world. Not– and that is not hi– feels like hyperbole, however we’re the important nation of the world..

Madeleine Albright was proper. And each single day, for instance, right this moment earlier than I got here out right here, I am on the telephone with– with the prime minister of– nicely, anyway, I should not get into element, however with Netanyahu. I am on the telephone with the brand new prime minister of England.

I am workin’ on what we have been doin’ with regard to– in Europe with regard to enlargement of NATO and whether or not it is gonna stick. I am takin’ on Putin. I imply, each day there isn’t any day I am going by way of there not these selections I’ve to make each single day.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: And you’ve got been doing that and the American folks have been watching, but their considerations about your age and your well being are rising. In order that’s why I am asking — to reassure them, would you be keen to have the impartial medical analysis?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Watch me between– there is a lotta time left on this marketing campaign. There’s over 125 days.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: So the answer–

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: They’re going to decide.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: Proper-the reply proper now could be, no, you– you do not need to try this proper now.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Nicely, I’ve already performed it.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: You talked so much about your successes in– in the beginning of this interview. And– and I do not need to dispute that, I do not need to debate that. However– as you already know, elections are in regards to the future, not the previous. They’re about tomorrow, not yesterday. And the query on so many individuals’s minds proper now could be, “Are you able to serve successfully for the following 4 years?”

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: George. I am the man that put NATO collectively, the longer term. Nobody thought I may develop it. I am the man that shut Putin down. Nobody thought may occur. I am the man that put collectively a South Pacific initiative with AUKUS. I am the man that bought 50 nations out– not solely in Europe, outdoors of Europe as nicely to assist Ukraine.

I am the man that bought Japanese to develop their finances. I am the– so I imply, these– and, for instance, after I determined we used to have 40% of pc chips. We invented the chip, the little chip, the pc chip. It is in all the pieces from cellphone to weapons.

And so, we used to have 40%, and we’re right down to nearly nothing. So I get within the airplane, in opposition to the recommendation of everyone, and I fly to South Korea. I persuade them to spend money on the USA billions of {dollars}. Now we’ve got tens of billions of {dollars} being invested in the USA making us again able we’re gonna personal that business once more. We have now, I imply, I– I just– anyway. I am– I do not wanna take an excessive amount of credit score. I’ve an ideal workers.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: However maintain on. My– I assume my level is, all that takes a toll. Do you will have the psychological and bodily capability to do it for one more 4 years?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: I believes so, I would not be runnin’ if I did not suppose I did. Look, I am runnin’ once more as a result of I feel I perceive finest what must be performed to take this nation to a totally new new stage. We’re on our approach. We’re on our approach. And, look. The choice just lately made by the Supreme Courtroom on immunity, you already know, the following President of the USA, it is not nearly whether or not she or he is aware of what they’re doin’.

It is– it’s– it is not– not a few con– a conglomerate of individuals making selections. It is in regards to the character of the President. The character of the President’s gonna decide whether or not or not this Structure is employed the correct approach.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: Let me ask you a harder, extra private query. Are you certain you are being trustworthy with your self while you say you will have the psychological and bodily capability to serve one other 4 years?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Sure, I’m, as a result of, George, the very last thing I need to do just isn’t be capable of meet that. I feel, as a few of senior economist and senior international coverage specialists say, if I cease now, I would go down in historical past as a reasonably profitable President. Nobody thought I may get performed what we bought performed.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: However are you being with honest– with your self as nicely about your means to defeat Donald Trump proper now?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Sure. Sure, sure, sure.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: You say that, and let me problem you.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Positive.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: Since you have been shut however behind going into the controversy. You are additional behind now by– by any measure. It has been a two-man race for a number of months. Inflation has come down. In these previous couple of months, he is develop into a convicted felon. But, you are still falling additional behind.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: You guys maintain saying that. George, do you– look, you already know polling higher than anyone. Do you suppose polling information as correct because it was once?

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: I do not suppose so, however I feel while you take a look at all of the polling information proper now, it reveals that he is actually forward within the in style vote, in all probability much more forward within the battleground states. And one of many different key elements there may be, it reveals that in most of the battleground states, the Democrats who’re working for Senate and the Home are doing higher than you might be.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: That is common in some states. I carried an terrible lotta Democrats final time I ran in 2020. Look, I keep in mind them tellin’ me the identical factor in 2020. “I can not win. The polls present I can not win.” Keep in mind 2024– 2020, the purple wave was coming.

Earlier than the vote, I stated, “That is not gonna occur. We’re gonna win.” We did higher in an off-year than virtually any incumbent President ever has performed. They stated in 2023, (STATIC) all of the powerful (UNINTEL) we’re not gonna win. I went into all these areas and all those– all these districts, and we gained.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: All that’s true, however 2020 was an in depth race. And your approval ranking has dropped considerably since then. I feel the final ballot I noticed was at about 36%.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Woah, woah, woah

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: The variety of People who suppose you are too outdated to serve has doubled since 2020. Would not a clear-eyed political calculus let you know that it is gonna be a lot harder to win in 2024?.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Not while you’re working in opposition to a pathological liar. Not when he hadn’t been challenged in a approach that he is about to be challenged. Not when people–

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: You’ve got had months to problem him.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Oh, certain, I had months, however I used to be additionally doin’ a hell of a whole lot of different issues, like wars all over the world, like retaining NATO collectively, like working– anyway. However look.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: Do you actually imagine you are not behind proper now?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: I feel it is in– all of the pollsters I discuss to inform me it is a tossup. It is a tossup. And after I’m behind, there’s just one ballot I am actually far behind, CBS Ballot and NBC, I imply, excuse me. And– uh–

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: New York– New York Instances and NBC each have– have you ever about six factors behind within the in style vote.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: That is precisely proper. New York Instances had me behind earlier than, something having to do with this race– had me hind– behind ten factors. Ten factors that they had me behind. Nothing’s modified considerably because the debate within the New York Instances ballot.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: Simply while you take a look at the fact, although, Mr. President, I imply, you gained the favored vote– in– in 2020, but it surely was nonetheless lethal shut within the electoral college–

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: By 7 million votes.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: Sure. However you are behind now within the in style vote.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: I do not– I do not purchase that.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: Is it definitely worth the threat?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: I do not suppose anyone’s extra certified to be President or win this race than me.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: , the guts of your case in opposition to Donald Trump is that he is solely out for himself, placing his private pursuits forward of the nationwide curiosity. How do you reply to critics who say that by staying within the race, you are doing the identical factor?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Oh, come on. Nicely, I do not suppose these critics know what they’re talkin’ about.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: They’re simply mistaken?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: They’re simply mistaken. Look, Trump is a pathological liar. Trump is– he is– you ever seen something Trump did that benefited sa– any person else and never him? You may’t reply, I do know.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: I’ve– I’ve questioned him and his allies as persistently as any journalist has.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Oh, I do know you will have. I am not being essential. I am not being essential, however look, I imply, the person is a congenital liar. As I stated, they identified in that debate, he lied 27– 28 times– occasions, no matter quantity, over 20 occasions. Speak about how good his economic system was, how he introduced down inflation, how– it is a man who unlike– solely different President oth– aside from him is Hoover who misplaced extra jobs than he created.

This can be a man who informed us to place bleach in our arms to take care of COVID, with a million– over one million folks died. This can be a man who talks about wantin’ to eliminate the healthcare provision we put in place. This can be a man who needs to offer the facility again to large pharma to have the ability to cost exorbitant costs for medicine. This can be a man who needs to undo each single factor I’ve performed, each single– each single factor.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: I perceive that. I perceive that is why you need to keep within the race, however have you ever satisfied your self that solely you may defeat him?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: I satisfied myself of two issues. I am probably the most certified particular person to beat him, and I understand how to get issues performed.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: In case you will be satisfied that you just can not defeat Donald Trump, will you stand down?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: (LAUGH)- It relies upon on– on if the Lord Almighty comes down and tells me that, I’d try this.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: Nicely, if– I imply, on a extra sensible stage, The Washington Publish simply reported within the final hour that Senator Mark Warner is– is assembling a gaggle of Senators collectively to attempt to persuade you to face down, as a result of they do not suppose you may win.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Nicely, Mark is an efficient man. We have by no means had (UNINTEL). He additionally tried to get the nomination too. Mark’s not– Mark and I’ve a distinct perspective. I respect him.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: And if Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries and Nancy Pelosi come down and say, “We’re nervous that in case you keep within the race, we’re gonna lose the Home and the Senate,” how will you reply?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: I– I would go into element with them. I’ve speaken (PH) to all of them intimately together with Jim Clyburn, each one among ’em. All of them stated I ought to keep within the race– keep within the race. Nobody said– not one of the folks stated I ought to go away.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: But when they do?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Nicely, it is, like, (LAUGH) they are not gonna try this.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: You are certain?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Nicely, Yeah, I am certain. Look. I imply, if the Lord Almighty got here down and stated, “Joe, get outta the race,” I would get outta the race. The Lord Almighty’s not comin’ down. I imply, these hypotheticals, George, if, I imply, it is all–

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: However– but it surely’s– it’s– it is not that hypothetical anymore. I– I– I– I grant that the– they haven’t k– requested a gathering, but it surely’s been reported–

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: However they– I met with them. I met with a lotta these folks. I discuss with them repeatedly. I had an hour dialog with Hakeem. I had extra time (UNITEL)with Jim Clyburn. I frolicked with many hours on and off within the final little bit with Chuck Schumer. It is not like– I had all of the governors– all of the governors.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: I agree that the Lord Almighty’s not gonna come down, however if– if– in case you are informed reliably out of your allies, from your mates and supporters within the Democratic Social gathering within the Home and the Senate that they are involved you are gonna lose the Home and the Senate in case you keep in, what’s going to you do?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: I am not gonna reply that query. It is not gonna occur.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: What’s your plan to show the marketing campaign round?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: You noticed it right this moment. What number of– how many individuals draw crowds like I did right this moment? Discover me extra enthusiastic than right this moment? Huh?

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: I imply, have– I do not suppose you wanna play the group recreation. Donald Trump can draw large crowds. There is not any query about that.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: He can draw a giant crowd, however what does he say? Who– who does he have? I am the man supposedly in hassle. We raised $38 million inside 4 days after this. Over– we’ve got over one million particular person contributors, particular person contributors. That– that is lower than 200 bucks. We have now– I imply, I am not seen what you’re– you are proposing.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: You have not seen the– the fall-off within the polls? You have not seen the experiences of discontent within the Democratic Social gathering, Home Democrats, Senate Democrats?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: I’ve seen it from the press.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: , I’ve heard from dozens of your supporters over the previous few days, and quite a lot of views, I grant you that. However the prevailing sentiment is that this. They love you, and they are going to be endlessly grateful to you for defeating Donald Trump in 2020.

They suppose you have performed an ideal job as President, a whole lot of the successes you outlined. However they’re nervous about you and the nation. They usually do not suppose you may win. They need you to go together with grace, and they’re going to cheer you in case you do. What do you say to that?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: I say the overwhelming majority aren’t the place that– these people are. I do not doubt there are some people there. Have you ever ever seen a group– ta– time when elected officers working for workplace aren’t little nervous? Have you ever ever seen that? I’ve not. Similar factor occurred in 2020. “Oh, Biden, I do not know. Man, what’s he gonna do? He might carry me down, he might (PH).”

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: Mr. President, I’ve by no means seen a President 36% approval get reelected.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Nicely, I do not imagine that is my approval ranking. That is not what our polls present.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: And in case you keep in and Trump is elected and all the pieces you are warning about involves go, how will you are feeling in January?

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: I will really feel so long as I gave it my all and I did the goodest job as I do know I can do, that is what that is about. Look, George. Consider it this fashion. You’ve got heard me say this earlier than. I feel the USA and the world is at an inflection level when the issues that occur within the subsequent a number of years are gonna decide what the following six, seven a long time are gonna be like.

And who’s gonna be capable of maintain NATO collectively like me? Who’s gonna be capable of be able the place I will maintain the Pacific Basin able the place we’re– we’re at the least checkmating China now? Who’s gonna– who’s gonna try this? Who has that attain? Who has– who is aware of all these pe…? We’re gonna have, I assume a great way to guage me, is you are gonna have now the NATO convention right here in the USA subsequent week. Come hear. See what they are saying.

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: Mr. President, thanks to your time.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: Thanks. Admire it.