In a recent interview with CBS News' 60 Minutes, President Joe Biden made his most definitive statement yet about his plans for the 2024 election. Biden, who is currently 79 years old, has faced increasing pressure from some in his own party to clarify whether he intends to seek a second term. Here's what he had to say.
When asked directly by interviewer Scott Pelley whether he intends to run for re-election in 2024, Biden responded, "My plan is to run for re-election. That's my plan." He went on to say that he intends to make that decision based on whether he's "in good health" and whether he's able to get things done for the country. Biden also noted that he has already beaten cancer twice and has had no recent health issues. However, he acknowledged that age could be a factor in his decision-making process, saying, "I'm a great respecter of fate. I've lived a long time. I've been blessed. And I've been blessed to be able to do significant things."
Biden's comments come at a time when some Democrats have expressed concerns about his age and whether he will be able to mount a successful re-election campaign. While Biden has consistently led former President Donald Trump in polls, his approval rating has slipped in recent months as inflation and other economic issues have become major concerns for voters. Some Democrats have suggested that a younger, more diverse candidate could better represent the party's values and appeal to younger and more diverse constituencies.
Biden, however, has dismissed these concerns, arguing that his experience and record of accomplishment make him the best candidate for the job. "I've been around a long time. I've done a lot of things. I've been tested," he said. "I think I'd compare very favorably with anyone else who's likely to announce."
The president also addressed the ongoing investigation into his son Hunter Biden's business dealings in Ukraine and China. Biden has faced criticism from Republicans and some Democrats for his handling of the issue, particularly his decision to have his son on a board of a Ukrainian energy company while he was vice president. Biden defended his actions, saying, "I carried out the policy of the United States government. I never discussed it with my son." He also dismissed suggestions that his son's business dealings could pose a conflict of interest, saying, "I have not spoken to my son in months, counsel's advice, that's none of your business."
Biden's comments on the 2024 election and other issues come at a critical time for his administration, as the country faces a number of pressing challenges, including rising inflation, a resurgence of COVID-19 cases, and ongoing tensions with Russia and China. Biden has been working to address these issues, but his approval rating has slipped in recent months, with many voters expressing frustration with the pace of progress and the impact of inflation on their daily lives.
Despite these challenges, Biden remains optimistic about the future, saying, "I'm a positive person. I've been through tough times. I've been through a lot of tough times. I've been through some real tragedies in my life. I've lost people I love. I've lost people I've worked with. But I'm still here." He also noted that he is focused on delivering results for the American people, saying, "I'm going to get things done. I'm going to make a significant difference in people's lives."
In the end, Biden's decision to run for re-election will likely depend on a number of factors, including his health, the state of the economy, and the political landscape in 2024. But one thing is clear: Biden is not one to back down from a challenge, and he is determined to continue fighting for the American people, no matter what the future holds.
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