During an interview with Al Roker on the “Today” show on Monday, President Biden hinted at his intentions to run for re-election in 2024. Although he did not make any formal announcements, he stated that he plans to run but is not ready to announce it yet. Despite repeatedly expressing his desire to seek a second term in the White House, the 80-year-old president has not made any official declarations.
“I plan on running, Al, but we’re not prepared to announce it yet.”
Americans Doubt Biden’s Personal Attributes and Ability to Serve
The CNN poll also revealed that the majority of respondents have negative views about Biden’s personal attributes, with a majority believing that he does not inspire confidence and does not care about people like them. Americans are divided over whether Biden can work effectively with Congress. Those who approve of his handling of the presidency have significant doubts about his stamina for the job and ability to inspire confidence.
Biden’s Re-Election Chances in Doubt Among Democrats
Compared to other presidents, an unusually large percentage of Biden’s approvers believe that he does not deserve re-election. Only 32% of Americans believe Biden deserves re-election, down 5 points since December. Younger adults and liberals saw the most significant shifts, with just 26% of those younger than 35 believing Biden deserved another term, down from 36% in December, and 63% of liberals saying he deserved re-election in December to 53% now. Among registered voters who are Democrats or Democratic-leaning independents, most (54%) say that they would like to see the Democratic party nominate someone other than Biden in 2024, while 44% say Biden should be the nominee.
Biden’s Indecision on 2024 Raises Concerns Among Democrats
Despite Biden’s hints at his intention to run for re-election in 2024, his indecision has raised doubts and concerns among Democrats. Politico reports that Biden’s closest advisers have been preparing for his re-election campaign for months, but there is growing doubt about his candidacy due to his indecision. His delay has resulted in an awkward deep-freeze across the party, with potential presidential aspirants and major donors developing a Plan B while trying to remain publicly supportive of the president.
Biden’s Pondering on His Final Campaign
Sources close to the president describe him as a kind of Hamlet on Delaware’s Christina River, warily biding his time as he ponders the particulars of his final campaign. The conventional wisdom in Washington, D.C. that there’s no way he passes on 2024 has crystallized too hard, too soon, according to sources. Biden’s team is said to be preparing a campaign-in-waiting, with senior figures managing operations from the White House, playing key roles in a 2024 bid.
Kamala Harris’ Prospects if Biden Decides Not to Run
If Biden decides not to run for re-election, it would be a political earthquake not seen among Democrats in more than a half-century. It would unleash an avalanche of attention on his vice president, Kamala Harris, whose uneven performances have raised doubts among fellow Democrats about her ability to win either the primary, the general election, or both.
The CNN poll and recent reports suggest that Biden’s re-election chances and personal attributes have come under scrutiny among Americans and Democratic elites. Biden’s indecision has also raised doubts and concerns among Democrats, with Kamala Harris’ prospects coming into the spotlight if he decides not to run.
Biden’s Approval Ratings Stall According to CNN Poll
A recent CNN poll conducted by SSRS found that President Joe Biden’s approval ratings have stalled, with only 42% of Americans approving of his handling of the presidency and 57% disapproving. The poll, conducted throughout March, suggests that Biden’s approval ratings have stalled since the indictment of former President Donald Trump.
