U.S. President Joe Biden has formally announced that he will run for re-election in 2024, hence, might meet former President Donald Trump, again at the polls.
The Democrat who had been expected to seek a second four-year term, launched his campaign in a video on Tuesday.
Biden in his announcement said his focus will be on freedoms and rights under threat. “This is not a time to be complacent. That’s why I’m running”, he said.
80 years old Joe Biden, who is currently the oldest president in American history will seek re-election with his current vice president, 58-year-old Kamala Harris. Julie Chavez Rodriguez, a senior White House adviser, will serve as his campaign manager.
Biden spoke about his age, knowing well it would be a center of concern in debates. “It’s legitimate for people to raise issues about my age,” he said earlier this year. “And the only thing I can say is, watch me.”
A majority of people said Biden should not again for presidency because of his “old age”, with 48% saying it was a major concern.
He would be 86 after finishing a second full term in 2029 if he wins.
Workers in Washington, DC cheered him after his declaration with chants of “Let’s go, Joe”, “four more years!”.
Joe Biden’s second term declaration speech was somewhat centered on the slogan, “It’s time to finish the job”, where he highlighted his efforts at restoring the American economy after the Covid-19 pandemic.
“When I ran for president four years ago, I said we are in a battle for the soul of America – and we still are,” Biden said in the presidential declaration video.
Donald Trump has already declared his quest for the presidency. Both leaders will face each other again on 5 November 2024.
“You could take the five worst presidents in American history, and put them together, and they would not have done the damage Joe Biden has done,” Mr Trump said in a statement on Monday night.
Joe Biden defeated Republican Trump in 2020 after promising to “restore the soul of the United States”.
They are considered favourites to win their nominations although Mr Trump faces competition from the likes of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.