In a much-anticipated move, US President Joe Biden announced he will be seeking re-election in 2024, with Vice President Kamala Harris by his side.
2024 US elections: Joe Biden, 80, announces he’s running for reelection
The announcement came in the form of a campaign video released on Tuesday morning, which featured footage of the incumbent democrats on the campaign trail and in the White House.
The announcement puts an end to speculation that Harris may be replaced on the ticket and also sets the stage for a possible rematch between Biden and former President Donald Trump, who lost to Biden in the 2020 election.
In the video, Biden speaks about the ongoing battle for the soul of the country, emphasising the need for Americans to have more freedoms and individual rights.
While the announcement itself was not a surprise, Biden’s age and physical and mental fitness have been the subject of much criticism in recent months.
If he were to win re-election, Biden would be 82 at the start of his second term, which effectively secures his place as the world’s second-oldest president after Cameroon’s Paul Biya, who, in 2023, is 90 years old.
A recent NBC News poll showed that 70% of Americans and more than half of Democrats would like to see someone other than Biden on the ticket in 2024, citing his age as a concern.
However, the poll also revealed that 88% of Democrats would definitely or probably vote for Biden in the general election.
Biden’s decision to run again means that he will likely face continued scrutiny over his age and fitness, as well as other issues such as his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy, and foreign policy.
However, with Harris by his side, he is hoping to build on the success of his first term and secure another victory in 2024.
The announcement also sets the stage for what is likely to be a contentious and high-stakes election, with Republicans already gearing up to challenge the Democratic ticket.
As the campaign heats up, it will be interesting to see how Biden and Harris navigate the challenges ahead and make their case to the American people for another four years in the White House.
