2024 Presidential Election: Biden Stays or Goes
Incumbent Bets on Low Unemployment Rate, Soft-Landing Economy
By Will O’Sullivan and Associated Press
Polling shows President Biden in a weak spot as he weighs a possible re-election run, with an approval rating stuck below 40%.
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden is expected to announce his plans for the 2024 presidential election in the coming weeks, and the decision of whether to seek a second term will likely hinge on his assessment of the economy and his own political standing.
Biden, who will be 82 in 2024, has repeatedly said that he intends to run again, but he has also acknowledged that his age is a factor.
If he does run, Biden will be the oldest person ever to seek a second term as president. Ronald Reagan was 77 when he left office in 1989.
Biden’s decision will also be influenced by the political climate. He is currently facing low approval ratings, with a recent poll showing that only 38% of Americans approve of his job performance.
Economy May Be Decisive
The economy is likely to be the most important factor in Biden’s decision-making process. The unemployment rate is currently at a 50-year low, and the stock market is near record highs.
However, there are also signs of economic weakness, such as rising inflation and a slowing housing market. If the economy continues to deteriorate, it could hurt Biden’s chances of re-election.
Challengers Await
If Biden does not run, a number of Democrats are likely to enter the race.
Potential candidates include Vice President Kamala Harris, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and California Governor Gavin Newsom.
There is also a chance that a challenger from outside the Democratic establishment could emerge, similar to the way that Donald Trump won the Republican nomination in 2016.
Tough Road Ahead
If Biden does run for re-election, he will face a tough fight. The Republican Party is likely to be unified behind its nominee, and Biden will need to win over independent voters.
Biden’s age will also be a factor. He will be 82 years old on Election Day in 2024, and some voters may be concerned about his ability to handle the demands of the presidency.
However, Biden has also shown that he is a resilient politician. He overcame a number of challenges to win the Democratic nomination in 2020, and he has shown that he is capable of connecting with voters on a personal level.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to run for re-election is a personal one for Biden. He will need to weigh the factors discussed above, as well as his own health and family considerations.
Kind regards E. Thompson.
