President Joe Biden has officially announced his intention to run for re-election in 2024 through a promotional video. He presented the upcoming election as a battle against Republican extremism and argued that he needed more time to fulfill his promise of restoring the nation’s character.
Biden’s declaration puts an end to any doubts about his plans and sets the stage for a potential rematch with his 2020 opponent, former President Donald Trump. Despite his notable legislative achievements, Biden faces challenges in the form of low approval ratings and questions about his age, being the oldest president in history. His advisors are yet to find a solution to this conundrum.
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Following the release of their promotional video for the 2024 presidential campaign, Joe Biden and his deputy Kamala Harris have taken the next step and submitted their campaign paperwork to the Federal Election Commission. This is the formal process for officially announcing one’s candidacy for elected positions in the federal government of the United States.
Age: A major concern amongst Democrats
Despite being already the oldest president in US history at 80 years old, Joe Biden had previously indicated his intention to run for a second four-year term. However, if he does win re-election, he would be 86 years old by the end of his second term, which would make him significantly older than any previous US president. Recent polling data from NBC News reveals that 70% of those surveyed do not want Biden to run for president again, with 51% of Democrats also opposing his candidacy. The primary reason cited for this opposition is Biden’s age.
Possible Democrat challenger
Although two other candidates have officially declared their intention to run against Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination in the 2024 election, they are considered fringe candidates and unlikely to gain sufficient support to defeat him. Robert Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist and the nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, and self-help author Marianne Williamson are among those running.
However, it is worth noting that no incumbent president has ever been defeated in a primary election, and a grueling primary challenge could weaken Biden’s position for the general election. Some observers have drawn comparisons between Biden and former President Jimmy Carter, particularly with regard to their handling of the economy and foreign policy. While there are concerns among voters, including those within the Democratic party, about Biden’s re-election bid, it is unlikely that major contenders like Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, or Gavin Newsom will challenge him for the nomination.
Who is in the campaign team?
US media reported during the weekend that Joe Biden had selected his senior White House advisor, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, as his campaign manager for the 2024 presidential election. In a press release accompanying the launch video on Tuesday, Biden confirmed Rodriguez’s appointment, highlighting her extensive experience as a Democratic operative with connections to former President Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris.
The remainder of Biden’s top team for the 2024 campaign has also been announced. Quentin Fulks, who previously managed the campaign of Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock, will serve as Rodriguez’s deputy. The campaign’s national co-chairs, who will be instrumental in grassroots organizing and volunteer efforts, include some of Biden’s most dedicated and longstanding supporters, such as South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn, whose endorsement was widely regarded as a significant factor in Biden’s 2020 nomination, Michigan’s Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and lawmakers Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester from Biden’s home state of Delaware.
Road to US Presidential Election 2024
In the upcoming 2024 election, Joe Biden will have a different experience on the campaign trail compared to his last presidential run. As the incumbent, he will need to find a balance between fulfilling his duties as the leader of the country and campaigning to win over voters. He is expected to highlight his accomplishments over the past two years, including the enactment of significant infrastructure and climate legislation, to demonstrate his ability to lead. Unlike his 2020 campaign, which relied heavily on virtual events due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Biden will now have to participate in large events and campaign stops across the country to interact with voters. He has already planned to meet with major Democratic donors and fundraisers in Washington later this week.
Here are some important dates leading up to the 2024 US presidential election:
- August 2023: The first Republican debate will be hosted by Fox News.
- 22 January 2024: The first Republican primary (caucus) will take place in Iowa.
- 3 February 2024: The first Democratic primary will take place in South Carolina.
- 5 March 2024: Super Tuesday, where many states vote and usually gives a good indication of which way the country is leaning.
- 15 July 2024: The Republican National Convention will take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Republicans will officially choose their nominee.
- 19 August 2024: The Democratic National Convention will take place in Chicago, Illinois, where Democrats will officially choose their nominee.
- Autumn 2024: Debates and campaigning will take place.
- 5 November 2024: Election Day.
- 6 January 2025: Electoral votes will be formally counted in Congress.
- 20 January 2025: Inauguration Day.
