President Biden told 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley last Thursday that while he intends to run for reelection in 2024, the decision is still up in the air.
“Sir, are you committed to running again, or are there certain conditions that have to be right?” Pelley asked.
“Look, if I were to say to you, I’m running again, all of a sudden, a whole range of things come into play that I have– requirements I have to change and move and do,” Mr. Biden said. “In terms of election laws. and it’s much too early to make that kind of decision. I’m a great respecter of fate. And so, what I’m doing is I’m doing my job. I’m gonna do that job. And within the time frame that makes sense after this next election cycle here, going into next year, make a judgment on what to do.”
“You say that it’s much too early to make that decision,” Pelley said. “I take it the decision has not been made in your own head?”
“Look, my intention as I said to begin with is that I would run again,” the president said. “But it’s just an intention. But is it a firm decision that I run again? That remains to be seen.”
Vice President Kamala Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom have received the message. They have discretely started to prepare for the 2024 primary.
Newsom ads in other states have begun. “Need an abortion? California is ready to help.” That’s one of the billboard advertisements that the Newsome campaign is paying for. The billboards will be displayed in states including Texas, Mississippi and Ohio.
Harris has been traveling around the country talking about defending democracy and appearing at every photo op from 9/11 ceremonies to abortion rights events and recently appeared on Meet the Press. All meant to improve her communication skills. She may be the heir apparent but in the rough tumble world of politics it is not a given.
Coast Contact 