President Joe Biden turned 80 on Sunday, and while his 2020-rival, former President Donald Trump, has already announced his intentions to seek another term in 2024, skepticism remains on if Biden will or should run again.
If Biden were to run again and win in 2024, he would be nearly a decade older than the current oldest-president elected for a second term, Ronald Regan, who was 73 when sworn into office in 1985.
However, those within the Democratic party and voters don’t seem to be all in on another campaign from Biden, instead being interested in others stepping forward in the party.
During an interview over the summer with News Talk 830 WCCO, Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) was asked about the president going for another term. He shared that he wasn’t crazy about seeing Biden run for reelection, suggesting that others should be given a chance.
“I have respect for Joe Biden. I think he has, despite some mistakes and missteps, despite his age, I think he’s a man of decency, of good principle, of compassion, of empathy, and of strength,” Phillips said. “But to answer your question directly, which I know is quite rare, no, I don’t.”
Several polls released in recent months have also shown that American voters would like to see different names on their ballots in 2024.
According to a New York Times poll, 64% of Democratic voters said they would prefer a new candidate in the 2024 election, as an overwhelming 94% of Democrats under the age of 30 agreed.
But Biden isn’t alone in losing support from within his party, as Republicans also appear ready for a change after Trump announced he is running for president last week.
Former Minnesota Governor and Republican Tim Pawlenty shared his displeasure hearing Trump’s announcement. Pawlenty said, “it’s no surprise,” but he knows Trump won’t go unchallenged.
“I’m hoping that on the Republican side, more candidates emerge. I think that the Republican party can do better than nominating Trump again,” Pawlenty said.
For GOP voters, several polls show, he is no longer the clear-cut candidate for the republicans, and others, like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY), have gained support in the party.
When it comes to Biden, he is expected to make his announcement on whether or not he will run early next year.
While some think he shouldn’t run, the party’s success in the 2022 midterms leaves many believing voters support Biden’s agenda, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) was asked about Biden running in 2024, and while he didn't specifically say the president has his support, he did say “Joe Biden has always done what’s best for the country,”
While he hasn’t made an announcement yet, Biden addressed those who say he shouldn’t run by saying, “Watch me.”
