Biden says he’s not the only Democrat who could beat Trump but ‘will defeat him’

President Biden on Wednesday said he believes there are “probably 50” Democrats who could defeat former President Trump in a general election, but that he will beat him in 2024.

“Do you think there are any Democrats who could beat Donald Trump other than you?” Biden was asked after remarks from the White House on the need to pass Ukraine funding.

“Probably 50 of them,” Biden responded. “I’m not the only one who can defeat him, but I will defeat him.”

Biden’s comments come one day after he told donors at a fundraiser he may not have run for reelection if Trump weren’t running for the White House in 2024. Biden has repeatedly described Trump as a singular threat to democracy who has vowed to take away rights and target his opponents, and he has pointed to the results of the 2020 election as proof he is able to beat Trump at the ballot box.

Asked later if he would still be running if Trump were not, Biden told reporters, “I expect so but look, he is running and I have to run.”

When asked if he would drop out if Trump dropped out, Biden responded: “No, not now.”

An NBC News poll released last month showed Trump trailing against a generic Democrat in a hypothetical matchup, 46-40. Biden similarly trailed against a generic Republican, 48-37.

Polls have for months shown Biden with approval ratings mired around 40 percent and that many Democrats would prefer an alternative candidate on the ballot in 2024. But Biden and his team have frequently cited his 2020 victory to argue the president is uniquely equipped to defeat Trump in a rematch.

Democrats have largely rallied behind Biden as the incumbent, with only Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) mounting a primary challenge.