With the 2024 US Presidential election looming just a few months away, President Joe Biden has officially declared his candidacy for re-election. During a rally in Madison, Wisconsin on July 5th, Biden addressed speculation surrounding his future in the race, stating unequivocally, “I am running and gonna win again.” He dismissed any doubts about his commitment to the race, asserting, “Let me say it as clear as I can: I’m staying in the race! I’ll beat Donald Trump.” While acknowledging a recent debate performance that didn’t meet his own standards, Biden emphasized his determination to secure a second term.
His statement came in response to growing concerns about his age and his ability to carry out another four-year term. A recent New York Times and Siena College poll revealed that 74% of voters believe Biden is too old for the job. Addressing these concerns directly, Biden posed a series of questions to his audience: “You think I’m too old to restore Roe v. Wade to all the land? You think I’m too old to ban assault weapons again? To protect Social Security and Medicare?” Each question was met with a resounding “No” from the crowd. He then asked, “You think I’m too old to defeat Donald Trump?” The response was equally emphatic.
Biden’s announcement comes at a time when he faces growing pressure to campaign more vigorously and demonstrate his ability to effectively lead for another term. While the 2024 election is still a year away, the race is already shaping up to be a highly contentious one.
