US President Joe Biden’s potential announcement to run for a second term in the 2024 presidential election. After a series of legislative and foreign policy successes in his first two years in office, Biden has no real challenger from within the Democratic Party. However, his age is expected to be a point of scrutiny, as he would be 86 by the end of a second term. A recent poll suggests that 70% of Americans, including 51% of Democrats, believe he should not run.
Despite this, Biden is expected to highlight his policy wins at home and his foreign policy accomplishments. He will meet with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to underline his foreign policy credentials. Biden is also scheduled to deliver an economic address to a union conference, where he will discuss his plan to restore the US manufacturing base and create jobs for the middle class. This is expected to be the heart of his 2024 message.
Biden’s moderate, old-fashioned image may be his secret weapon in an increasingly extreme era. He has consistently over-delivered when it matters, and supporters say the Democratic Party’s surprisingly strong performance in the 2022 midterm congressional elections validated the Biden brand. While his approval ratings have not topped 50% for more than a year and a half, he would bank on his image being bland but comforting, compared to the chaos of his predecessor, Donald Trump.
Biden’s policy successes in his first two years in office have been notable. He signed the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package that included direct payments to Americans, extended unemployment benefits, and funding for vaccine distribution. He also signed a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill that included funding for roads, bridges, and broadband internet. Additionally, he oversaw the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, which brought an end to a 20-year war.
Despite these successes, Biden’s age is likely to be a significant issue. He would be the oldest president in US history if he serves a second term, and some worry that his age could affect his ability to lead the country effectively. However, Biden has pushed back against these concerns, saying, “watch me.” He believes that voters should focus on his policy accomplishments, including his work to marshal an unprecedented Western alliance to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s invasion.
Biden is widely expected to stick with Kamala Harris, the first Black person and first woman ever to be vice president, on the November 2024 ticket. While she has faced criticism for her handling of the border crisis and other issues, Harris remains a popular figure within the Democratic Party.
The Republican Party is only just starting a messy primary season, and it is unclear who their nominee will be in 2024. However, Donald Trump remains the overwhelming frontrunner despite facing criminal indictments and probes into his attempt to overturn his loss to Biden in the 2020 election. The most likely challenger to Trump is Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a right-wing figure who is starkly younger than Trump at 44.
Running for a second term as President of the United States is a decision that is fraught with both benefits and drawbacks. On one hand, incumbency offers a clear advantage in terms of name recognition, access to resources, and a pre-established network of supporters. A sitting president has an established track record that can be used to build on their successes and respond to criticism. Additionally, they may be seen as a symbol of stability and continuity in a time of uncertainty.
On the other hand, running for re-election also comes with its own set of challenges. The incumbent must defend their record in office and convince voters that they deserve another term. They may also face opposition from within their own party, as potential challengers emerge and vie for the nomination. Furthermore, an incumbent president’s record is likely to be scrutinized more closely than that of a challenger, and any missteps or failures may be seen as an indication that they are no longer fit for office.
In the case of Joe Biden, his decision to run for re-election as President of the United States will likely be met with both support and skepticism. As an incumbent, he has the advantage of a pre-established network of supporters, access to resources, and a record that he can build on. However, his age has been a topic of concern for many, and his fitness to serve as president for another term may be called into question.
Ultimately, the decision to run for re-election is a deeply personal one that must take into account a multitude of factors, including the political climate, the state of the economy, and the strength of the opposition. For Joe Biden, the decision to run for a second term will depend on a wide range of considerations, including his own health, the state of the country, and the strength of the Republican party. Whatever his decision, it will have a significant impact on the future of American politics, and will be closely watched by supporters and opponents alike.
