Bitter Biden laments dropping out of 2024 presidential race, says he would’ve beaten Trump
President Biden still regrets dropping out of the 2024 presidential race last summer after mounting pressure from Democrats to step aside, according to a report.
The president recently told people that he still believes he could have beaten Trump in the November election, despite his rough debate performance in June and his low approval numbers that forced him to leave the race, according to the Washington Post, citing people familiar with the conversations.
Following the June 27 debate, more and more Democrats began to call for him to drop out every day, so another person could run in his place.
The president also saw much of his funding dry up last summer as donors began to doubt his chances of beating Trump.
DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSMAN WHO RAN AGAINST BIDEN CITING ‘PHYSICAL DECLINE’ DEFENDS HIS DECISION: ‘VINDICATION’
Biden left the race on July 21, and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who had just over three months to campaign before the election.
Trump beat Harris by 2.2 million votes.
Biden has been careful not to blame Harris while insisting to aides that he could have won, the Post reported.
TRUMP TEASES DAY ONE ORDERS TO CANCEL ‘INSANE’ BIDEN POLICIES
Even when he dropped out, Biden still believed he could beat Trump – whom he defeated for his first term in 2020, according to the New York Times in September.
Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., may disagree.
Clyburn, who met with Biden earlier this year, told the Post that he had told the president, “Your style does not lend itself well to the environment we’re currently in,” while speaking of style versus substance.
Biden national security advisor Jake Sullivan told the Post: “How to govern at this moment to set the U.S. up for long-term success has one answer, and how to govern to deal with midterm and presidential elections in the very short-term might have a different answer. The president went with doing the things that really put America in a strong position.”
Among acknowledgments of other mistakes – including his debate performance – Biden has also said that he regrets picking Merrick Garland as attorney general, the Post reported.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Convinced to do so by aides who said that Garland would be a consensus pick, Biden has privately said that he feels Garland moved too slowly on prosecuting Trump, while also claiming his son Hunter had been prosecuted too aggressively.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House for comment.
Critics slam Michelle Obama’s New Year’s message as Trump prepares to take office
Michelle Obama provoked a wave of online criticism Friday after she shared a New Year’s message with her followers on Instagram.
The former first lady posted a video wishing her followers “Happy Holidays” and highlighting the work of the Obama Presidential Center as 2024 comes to a close. But critics noted with disapproval that her video begins on a sour note.
“Happy holidays, everyone. I know it’s been a difficult few months for so many of us, and that folks are feeling a little bit anxious and uncertain,” Obama says in the video.
“But even during these tough times, there are plenty of reasons to stay hopeful,” she adds, before mentioning programs operated by the Obama Foundation.
‘GREATER RECKONING’: OBAMA’S SPOT IN THE DEMOCRATIC SUN FADING AFTER HARRIS LOSS
Hundreds of Instagram users commented on Obama’s video within hours after it went live. While many thanked her for the message and showed support for the Obama Foundation, several supporters of President-elect Trump read into Obama’s comments. Their takeaway was that she had Trump’s victory in mind when she spoke about “a difficult few months,” and they made their objections known.
“Michelle, America is excited about what’s to come: a new horizon and prosperity for the nation. 2025-2029! No anxiety here,” one user replied.
View this post on Instagram
“A difficult few years from the damage the Biden administration has caused!” wrote another commenter. “Things have never looked better since Trum won the election! The people have the power! Not even all those celebrities could change that!”
“We are certain it won’t be worse than your husband’s administration or the Biden administration,” said a third. “That we are CERTAIN.”
STEPHEN A SMITH BLASTS OPRAH WINFREY, MICHELLE OBAMA FOR ‘ALIENATING’ VOTERS
Obama’s supporters, on the other hand, expressed gratitude for her video and shared heart emojis and other positive comments.
“Thank you for your message of hope,” one user replied. “It is so much needed.”
The Obamas were top surrogates for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 campaign. Michelle Obama spoke at several rallies for Harris and delivered a speech in Pennsylvania three days before the election, alluding to Trump as a “skilled con man” who has poured gasoline “on other people’s genuine pain and anger and fear.”
TRUMP HAS MESSAGE OF UNITY FOR ‘GREAT DIVIDER’ OBAMA
“We don’t always get it right, but here in America, we rise more than we fall,” Obama said in Norristown, Penn., on Nov. 2.
In dark and difficult times, she said the country needs leaders who will “connect with people’s pain and address the systemic issues at their root, not leaders who stoke our fears and focus our fury on one another.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
But after the election, the Obamas released a joint statement that congratulated Trump on his victory while acknowledging, “this is obviously not the outcome we hoped for.”
“In a country as big and diverse as ours, we won’t always see eye-to-eye on everything,” the Obamas said. “But progress requires us to extend good faith and grace – even to people with whom we deeply disagree.”
Several injured after multi-vehicle crash in California city involving police vehicles
A multi-vehicle crash involving two police vehicles left several people injured in Oakland, California, on Saturday, according to law enforcement officials.
The Oakland Police Department (OPD) told Fox News Digital that the crash occurred in the 700 block of Mandela Parkway, near the West Oakland train station. Photos of the scene showed wrecked police vehicles with broken windows and open doors, along with debris in the street.
Authorities were alerted to the situation at around 2:45 p.m. local time. According to Oakland police, two police cars belonging to the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Police Department were involved in the crash.
“Several vehicle occupants sustained injuries during the collision,” an OPD spokesperson said. “Paramedic personnel responded to the scene to assist and transported the individuals to area hospitals for treatment.”
BROOKLYN HOMELESS SHELTER WORKER STABBED TO DEATH BY MASKED SUSPECT
Authorities are still investigating the crash and what led up to it.
“It is unknown if alcohol or drugs are a factor in this collision,” the statement added.
The OPD did not disclose whether BART officers were injured.
PREGNANT WOMAN STABBED 14 TIMES IN FRONT OF YOUNG DAUGHTER OVER BAD PIZZA DELIVERY TIP: DEPUTIES
In August, the president of the Oakland Police Officer’s Association (OPOA) slammed progressive then-Mayor Sheng Thao, who was recalled in November, for allegedly not doing enough to fight crime in the city, which is considered one of the most dangerous in the Golden State.
“Every day, our citizens feel the tragedies. That they cannot exit their own home or walk to the streets of Oakland, calling 911 and not getting the services they need,” the OPOA’s Huy Nguyen said at the time.
In July, the Oakland Police Department was criticized for allegedly under-reporting its crime statistics after claiming that crimes had fallen 33%. At the time, the police’s report was touted by Thao as an accomplishment for the city.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Fox News Digital reached out to the BART Police Department, but did not immediately hear back.
Public university closes its Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies department
The University of Iowa announced that it would close its Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies department as public universities in the state continue to respond to a changing DEI landscape.
“Under the proposed plan, the college would close the departments of American Studies and Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies, as well as the current majors in American Studies and in Social Justice, which have fewer than 60 students combined, and create a new major in Social and Cultural Analysis,” the University of Iowa announced in a press release on Dec. 17.
The decision comes after Iowa’s state Board of regents approved 10 recommendations to scale back diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the Hawkeye State.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS PREVALENCE OF DEI AT IVY LEAGUE INSTITUTIONS: ‘DOMINANT IDEOLOGY’
“We are excited to reposition these programs for the future,” dean of the University of Iowa’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), Sara Sanders, said. “The creation of a School of Social and Cultural Analysis would allow us to build on our considerable legacy in areas that are essential to our mission, while creating more sustainable structures and room for innovative new curricula.”
“Right now, these programs are administered by multiple department chairs and multiple directors,” CLAS associate dean for the arts and humanities, Roland Racevskis, said. “Under this proposed plan, the school would have a single leadership team dedicated to overseeing the operations of the programs.”
STATE LAWMAKERS, COMPANIES PREPARE TO PUSH BACK AGAINST DEI, ‘WOKE’ INITIATIVES: EXPERTS
“Students in this major would be able to connect their individual experiences and ideas to larger social contexts,” CLAS associate dean for undergraduate education, Cornelia Lang, said. “This would prepare them well for potential careers or graduate work in cultural studies and related fields through highly adaptable skills like analytical thinking, effective communication, and research.”
The announcement revealed that the proposal would go into effect on July 1, 2025, if it is successfully approved at the February Board of Regents meeting.
The University of Iowa is not the only academic institution that is changing its stance on DEI programs in recent months.
The University of Michigan ended its requirement for DEI statements on faculty hiring, promotion and tenure this month. The University of Austin (UATX), a private liberal arts university, also replaced DEI with merit-based initiatives this year.
Some states, including Florida, have restricted or banned funding for DEI in state institutions.
The University of Iowa did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Professional boxer who broke Mike Tyson record days ago dead at 35
Professional boxer Paul Bamba unexpectedly died just days after being crowned WBA Gold Cruiserweight champion, his manager and family announced on social media. He was 35.
R&B singer and songwriter Ne-Yo issued a joint statement with Bamba’s family on social media Friday confirming the news of his passing. A cause of death was not revealed.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of beloved son, brother, friend and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose light and love touched countless lives,” the statement posted on Instagram read.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
“He was a fierce yet confident competitor with an unrelenting ambition to achieve greatness. But more than anything, he was a tremendous individual that inspired many with his exceptional drive and determination. We are heartbroken by his passing and kindly ask for privacy and understanding during this difficult time as we collectively navigate our grief.”
Bamba signed with Ne-Yo’s management company this year. He broke Mike Tyson’s record just six days prior to his death when he won the WBA Gold Cruiserweight championship to win 14 fights – all knockouts – in a single year.
“This year I set out with a goal. I did just that,” Bamba said in a post on Instagram after the fight.
MIKE TYSON FACES $1.5 MILLION LAWSUIT OVER ALLEGED CONTRACT VIOLATION IN ORDER TO FIGHT JAKE PAUL
“Wasn’t easy, there were many obstacles that I adapted to, overcame and kept on the path we set regardless of extenuating circumstances. 14 fights. 14 knockouts ending with the WBA GOLD cruiserweight world title,” he continued.
“Blessed to have my family, my team and all my supporters along the way. That being said if you got what some might call an ‘outlandish goal’ GO chase it. Anyone who thinks that isn’t as brave as you, prove people wrong!”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
According to Reuters, Bamba had a 19-3 record with 18 knockouts, 14 of which came in 2024.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Jennifer Lopez refused to pay pop star’s ‘ridiculous’ $5 million fee, wedding planner says
Jennifer Lopez called out Bruno Mars for his multi-million-dollar performance fee.
During a podcast interview, celebrity wedding planner Marcy Blum shared Lopez’s reaction when she discovered how much it would’ve cost to book a performance with the “24K Magic” singer.
“We were working with J.Lo and A-Rod before they broke up, and they were going through a list of musicians, and she goes, ‘What about Bruno Mars?'” Blum explained on “The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast.“
ALEX RODRIGUEZ SHARES TIMELY INSTAGRAM POST AFTER EX-FIANCÉE JENNIFER LOPEZ FILES FOR DIVORCE FROM BEN AFFLECK
Blum recalled telling Lopez that she had “just worked with” Mars on another wedding event. The “Marry You” singer received $5 million to sing for 45 minutes to an hour, according to Blum.
“Don’t be ridiculous!” Blum recalled Lopez’s shocked reaction.
The “Wedding Planning for Dummies” author added that she was able to share that story since she “never signed an NDA.”
BEN AFFLECK’S ‘ERRATIC BEHAVIOR’ AND ‘GIANT MOOD SWING’ WERE FACTOR IN JENNIFER LOPEZ DIVORCE: REPORT
Reps for Blum, Lopez and Mars did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
In 2017, Lopez began dating former New York Yankees slugger Rodriguez. The two got engaged in 2019. They postponed their wedding twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and eventually ended their relationship in 2021.
At the time, the former couple issued a joint statement to “Today.”
LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
“We have realized we are better as friends and look forward to remaining so,” the statement said.
“We will continue to work together and support each other on our shared businesses and projects. We wish the best for each other and one another’s children. Out of respect for them, the only other comment we have to say is thank you to everyone who has sent kind words and support.”
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
Shortly after that breakup, Lopez reunited with actor Ben Affleck. The two reunited after previously ending their first engagement in 2004.
They tied the knot in a surprise Las Vegas ceremony in July 2022, followed by a more traditional and lavish ceremony in Georgia a month later.
Earlier this year, Lopez filed for divorce on Aug. 20 in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Her petition for the dissolution of her marriage to Affleck was filed on the two-year anniversary of their Georgia wedding.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Lopez has been married four times, first to Ojani Noa, then Cris Judd, followed by the father of her children, Marc Anthony.
Miami teammates get into sideline fight during Pop-Tarts Bowl
From what we all see on social media, the Pop-Tarts Bowl is full of hilarious content.
But there appeared to be an incident during the game Saturday between two Miami Hurricanes that led to blows.
Senior Simeon Barrow Jr. and freshman Marquise Lightfoot were separated after Barrow Jr. threw a punch and Lightfoot shoved Barrow.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
The Hurricanes did not want to play Saturday. They had controlled their own destiny heading into the College Football Playoff, but after losing to Syracuse in the final week of the season, they were knocked out of the ACC title game, and eventually, the tournament.
The brouhaha came after a high-scoring first quarter in which the Hurricanes allowed 21 points to Iowa State. The Cyclones won the game, 42-41.
Cam Ward, a likely first-round selection in the NFL Draft, only played in the first half, exiting the game after Miami had regained a 31-28 lead before halftime.
LONGTIME SPORTS ANCHOR, ANNOUNCER GREG GUMBEL DIES AT 78
After the game, a Pop-Tarts mascot was “toasted,” and the Cyclones were given a toaster trophy.
It’s the first time the Cyclones have won 11 games in a season.
Game MVP Rocco Becht scored from a yard out on fourth and goal with 56 seconds remaining for the game-winning touchdown.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Becht finished with 270 passing yards and three touchdowns for Iowa State (11-2), a program that entered this season having never won more than nine games in a season.
‘Miracle therapy’ offers life-changing hope for parents fighting to save their children
Renowned visionary English physician William Harvey wrote in 1651 about how our blood contains all the secrets of life.
“And so I conclude that blood lives and is nourished of itself and in no way depends on any other part of the body as being prior to it or more excellent,” he wrote. “So that from this we may perceive the causes not only of life in general … but also of longer or shorter life, of sleeping and waking, of skill, of strength and so forth.”
Dr. Kevin Watt, team leader of the Heart Regeneration and Disease Laboratory at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) in Melbourne, Australia, understands this concept deeply.
STEM CELL RESEARCH SHOWING NEW POSSIBILITIES FOR TREATING INFANT HEART DISEASE
He lives it every day, as he and his fellow researchers study and reprogram the potential of the blood to treat disease, specifically heart failure in children.
Building on the work of Dr. Shinya Yamanaka of Japan, who discovered that specialized cells could be reprogrammed back to immature stem cells, Watt and his collaborators have taken this work several steps further.
They have used small molecules to turn these new stem cells from the blood into heart cells.
Small heart organoids are developed in the lab — which can then be injected into the failing hearts of children.
BOY FACING BLINDNESS GETS LIFE-CHANGING EYE SURGERY: ‘SUCH A BLESSING’
Relying on the philanthropic support of the Murdoch Institute, the work is progressing rapidly and has been shown to be effective already in mice, pigs and sheep.
“The vision of our research is to develop new therapies that can transform the lives of children with heart failure.”
Clinical trials in humans will be starting soon, and as Dr. Watt told me in an interview from Australia, “Large sheets of heart tissue will be stitched into the failing heart.”
Congenital heart failure as well as side effects of chemotherapy in children will be targets for this miracle therapy. Millions of children around the world suffer daily from these conditions.
Watt said that certain chemotherapy (anthracyclines) have a higher risk of heart failure – up to 15% of the time – and this treatment may be useful to protect the heart.
Watt said, “Heart failure remains an urgent, unmet clinical challenge across the world. While we have made significant advances over several decades in managing the disease, we lack targeted therapies to treat these devastating conditions.”
FAMILY OF CHILD WITH DOWN SYNDROME WENT FROM SHOCK TO GRATITUDE: ‘LOST THE AIR IN MY CHEST’
He added, “More than 500,000 children around the world live with advanced heart failure that requires transplantation. The vision of our research is to develop new therapies that can transform the lives of children with heart failure.”
To achieve this, he said, “we use a technology called induced pluripotent stem cells, where we can convert blood or skin cells of patients with heart failure into stem cells that we then turn into heart cells … or even make engineered heart tissues that can be stitched onto the patient’s heart to help it pump.”
The cells that are targeted in the blood are known as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
They are “pushed back in time to an earlier time before they became differentiated into heart or kidney cells,” he said.
Then they can be pushed forward to become healthy heart cells or mutations — or other abnormalities can be corrected.
While the team at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute is making heart cells from stem cells in the blood for clinical use, it’s also using these stem cells to figure out new drugs to treat heart failure directly.
Said Watt, “Using stem cells from patients with heart failure caused by chemo, we are actively developing new drugs and cell-based treatments that we believe will transform the lives of patients with these conditions … Our research group has pioneered methods to turn these stem cells into miniature heart tissues that can be used to model disease-in-a-dish, to identify new drug targets for the development of new therapies.”
These treatments are personalized and highly expensive, but they’re also highly effective.
Correcting heart failure in young children is only a few years away from becoming a reality.
It’s a Christmas miracle that relies on the kind of philanthropic support that MCRI is famous for arranging.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Philanthropic support plays a critical role in accelerating the development of these new, transformative treatments,” said Watt, “and this support will be essential as we work toward bringing stem cell-based precision therapies for heart failure to every child who needs it.”
Visit go.fox/MCRI to donate or to learn more about MCRI’s important research.