US: Joe Biden announces his 2024 presidential run
United States (US) President Joe Biden on Tuesday officially launched his campaign for the 2024 presidential election. He announced the news in a three-minute video that began with the word "Freedom." Biden said like every generation, this is the current generation's chance to defend democracy. He added the most important issues for the upcoming election are abortion rights, voting rights, and social safety net.
Why does this story matter?
Biden is the US's 46th President and a veteran Democrat who unseated Donald Trump in November 2020. After Biden was announced the winner, Republican supporters attacked Capitol Hill in January 2021 to retain Trump as the president. Trump has also expressed his willingness to run for president again but he is facing multiple lawsuits. If convicted, his political career could be cut short.
This is not the time to be complacent: Biden
Election on November 5, 2024
Additionally, Biden's deputy, Kamala Harris will run for another term as vice president. Both have submitted their campaign paperwork to the Federal Election Commission. Per BBC, the first Republican and Democratic primaries in Iowa and South Carolina will be held in January and February 2024, respectively. The election will be held on November 5, 2024, and the votes will be counted on January 6.
Republicans call Biden 'out of touch'
Meanwhile, the Republican Party has called Biden "out of touch" for announcing his presidential run despite "creating crisis after crisis." Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said, "If voters let Biden 'finish the job,' inflation will continue to skyrocket, crime rates will rise, more fentanyl will cross our open borders, children will continue to be left behind, and American families will be worse off."
Biden oldest-ever president, age could influence voters
Biden is currently the oldest-ever US president, which may diminish his chances of getting re-elected. In a recent poll by NBC News, 70% of respondents didn't want Biden to contest the polls again. Around 51% of Democrats also don't want him to run for president.
