Washington, DC – Biden has long said he intends to run for re-election, but the lack of a formal announcement has at times made his supporters nervous, unsure whether the 80-year-old Democrat, one of the world’s longest-serving leaders, age, he would actually commit to another four-year term.
“We will announce it relatively soon. But the trip here has only reinforced my sense of optimism about what can be done,” Biden told reporters after an emotional trip to Ireland. “I already told you that my plan is to re-introduce myself.”
Behind the scenes, his entourage and allies have already begun putting a campaign infrastructure and fundraising apparatus in place for a 2024 run that could be a repeat of the 2020 run against former Republican President Donald Trump, who He has already launched his campaign.
Biden’s speech is expected to be one of “finishing the job” after a first term that included several legislative victories, including billions of dollars in federal funds to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic and for new infrastructure.
But Biden’s age makes his reelection bid a historic and risky gamble for the Democratic Party, which faces a tough electoral roadmap to keep the Senate in 2024 and is now a minority in the House of Representatives.
Biden’s approval ratings are stuck in the low 40s; she would also be 86 years old at the end of a possible second term, nine years more than the average life expectancy of American men.
Doctors designated Biden, who does not drink alcohol and exercises five times a week, “fit for duty” after an exam in February. The White House claims that his record shows that he is mentally prepared for the rigors of the job.
