What has Biden said about running for re-election in 2024?
The President gave a White House press conference in which he was asked about the next election and gave his thoughts on Trump and the Republican Party.
In his first formal White House press conference on Thursday night, President Joe Biden spoke to reporters to outline his plans for immigration, the covid-19 vaccination effort and foreign policy.
He also briefly commented on his own plans for the future, confirming that he does intend to stand for re-election in 2024 and launching some sly digs at his predecessor and the Republican Party.
What did Biden say about standing again in 2024?
American presidents are limited to two terms in office so almost all choose to stand for a second time. However as the oldest person to be sworn in, there were some doubts as to whether the 78-year-old Biden plans to stand again in 2024.
He was directly asked about this at the press conference and answered:
“My plan is to run for re-election, that’s my expectation,” and added that he would “fully expect” Vice President Kamala Harris to be his running mate again next time around.
However he did say that he could not be certain about his plans for the future so soon after taking office, leaving open the possibility that he may decide against a second term.
“Look, I don’t know where you guys come from, man,” he told reporters. “I’m a great respecter of fate. I’ve never been able to plan four and a half, three and a half years ahead for certain.”
Biden takes aim at Trump and the GOP
Biden has made very few public appearances since taking office in comparison to former President Trump, and his hour-long appearance in the East Room on Thursday was a tightly controlled affair. He was clearly at pains to stay on the good side of those in attendance, apologising for over-explaining in some instances.
At one point he was asked about Trump, to which Biden replied jovially: “My predecessor. Oh, God, I miss him.”
Trump was speaking about the possibility of a 2024 run before he had even left the White House and continues to hold huge sway over the Republican Party. Recent polls of GOP voters suggest that he would be a clear favourite to win the Party’s nomination for a third time.
When asked about the prospect of a second campaign against Trump, Biden refused to be drawn and even took a swipe at the conflicted nature of the GOP in 2021.
"Oh, come on. I don't even think about—I have no idea. I have no idea if there will be a Republican Party. Do you?"