In his inaugural TV interview since withdrawing from the presidential race, President Joe Biden cautioned that Republican nominee Donald Trump poses a "genuine threat to American security." "Mark my words, if he secures victory in this election, observe the consequences," Biden conveyed to CBS News in a pre-recorded segment aired on Sunday. "He is a genuine threat to American security. Consider, we are at a pivotal juncture in global history... and democracy is paramount."

At 81, Biden has maintained a discreet presence since his campaign concluded, particularly after his lackluster debate against Trump raised concerns about his age and cognitive abilities. During the brief White House interview, he seemed delicate yet lucid, acknowledging his debate shortcomings while emphasizing that his health is not a significant concern. Discussing his departure from the race, he mentioned that other Democratic politicians seeking re-election were worried he might hinder their prospects, and his foremost goal was to prevent Trump's return to power. "Several of my Democratic peers in the House and Senate believed I would impede their electoral chances," he explained. "I was apprehensive that if I continued in the race, that would be the focus of your interviews with me," he added.

He highlighted former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose reluctance to openly support his campaign was viewed as crucial. "You'd be questioning me about why Pelosi said [something]... I deemed it a significant distraction," the president stated. "A crucial matter for me remains — not a jest — preserving this democracy. I bear a duty to the nation to accomplish the most vital task we can, which is — we must, we must, we must vanquish Trump."

Biden expressed pride in his achievements regarding jobs, investments, and recovery from Covid-19, and pledged to vigorously support Vice-President Kamala Harris, who has taken his place on the ballot. "I will undertake whatever Kamala believes I can do to be most helpful," he affirmed. Biden's age had overshadowed the 2024 campaign, and the Democrats' prospects have brightened since his exit, as Harris experiences a surge in backing that has left Trump floundering. The outgoing president revealed he had anticipated serving just one term upon his 2020 victory but was persuaded to seek a second. "I considered myself a transitional president — I can't even articulate how old I am. It's challenging for me to verbalize — but events accelerated so rapidly, it didn't transpire," he told CBS's Robert Costa.

As Harris conducts massive rallies in pivotal states, Trump's sparse schedule has drawn attention, with his running mate, J.D. Vance, dominating the Sunday morning political talk shows. Appearing on CNN, ABC, and CBS, Vance addressed inquiries about childcare, asylum seekers, and abortion. In a contentious exchange with CBS's Margaret Brennan, Vance lamented that she had posed "six questions about abortion." "I'm still endeavoring to obtain a lucid response," Brennan retorted. He also asserted that Harris was the one "directing the show" in the Biden administration. "If she's not in charge, Dana, who is?" he asked CNN's Dana Bash.