At his first official press conference, Joe Biden was asked if he planned to run again in 2024 and if so why he had not yet set up a reelection campaign.
Asking the question, CBS News White House correspondent Nancy Cordes added that the president’s predecessor Donald Trump had set up his campaign at this stage in his time in office.
Mr Biden chuckled: “My predecessor would need to.”
He continued: “My predecessor… Oh God, I miss him.”
The president confirmed that yes, his plan is to run for reelection in 2024, adding “that is my expectation”.
Read more:
- White House news live: Kamala Harris to lead border crisis response
- When is Joe Biden’s first press conference?
- Trump and Trump Jr hire lawyer to defend them in Capitol riot lawsuit
- McConnell complains Biden hasn’t spoken to him or invited him to White House since inauguration
In addition, Mr Biden also pondered if there would be a Republican Party by then.
The comment was a clear nod towards his predecessor’s grip on the GOP and the potential for civil war within the party, as Trump loyalists and traditional Republicans look to gain an upper hand over the future of the party.
Mr Biden was also asked whether Kamala Harris would be his running mate in 2024 to which he replied affirmatively, adding that she was doing a good job, “she’s a great partner”.
The president doubled down on his “expectation” that he would run again.
“I’m a great respecter of fate,” he said. “I’ve never been able to plan three-and-a-half years head for certain.”
