(Trends Wide) — The White House said Monday that US President Joe Biden intends to run for reelection in 2024.
This after a recent report indicating that the commander-in-chief and his staff are trying to allay concerns about his future political prospects.
When White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki was asked aboard Air Force One if she could confirm if Biden would run again in 2024 and if he had communicated this to staff, she replied, “Yes, that’s it. his intentions”.
The Washington Post reported over the weekend that Biden and members of his inner circle have been telling allies that he plans to run again. This in an attempt to address concerns about whether he might commit to another presidential campaign given his age and alleviate concerns that Republicans will retake power.
Biden approval rating down
A recent national survey by Quinnipiac University showed that Biden’s job approval rating stands at 36%, the lowest figure for the president so far in his term and the latest low in a decline in months.
And the Democrats were beaten in the November elections, adding to concerns about the party’s chances in the 2022 midterm elections and Biden’s vision for the party’s future.
The president, who turned 79 at the weekend, has maintained that he wants to run again.
In March, Biden told reporters during a press conference that his “plan” was to run again.
“That’s my expectation,” the president said, adding that he usually doesn’t plan that far in advance.
The White House has also not indicated whether Biden would automatically endorse his vice president, Kamala Harris, should he decide not to run.
Asked if Harris could expect automatic endorsement from the president if she decides to run for political office in 2024 or 2028, Psaki said earlier this month: “I have no prediction as to whether or when she will run. That is. I leave it to her. “