Politics
80-year-old Joe Biden announces 2024 re-election bid
President Joe Biden announced Tuesday he is running for re-election in 2024, plunging at the record age of 80 into a ferocious new White House campaign “to finish the job.”
“Every generation has a moment where they have had to stand up for democracy. To stand up for their fundamental freedoms,” Biden wrote on Twitter, along with a video.
“I believe this is ours. That’s why I’m running for re-election as president of the United States. Join us. Let’s finish the job.”
After a series of big legislative wins and momentous foreign policy struggles in his first two years in office, Biden has no real challenger from within the Democratic Party.
But in a campaign that may result in a rematch of the 2020 election against Donald Trump, he is expected to face constant and fierce scrutiny over his age.
The veteran Democrat would be 86 by the end of a second term. Even if a medical exam in February found him “fit” to execute the duties of the presidency, many including in his own voter base believe he is too old.
An NBC News poll released over the weekend found that 70 percent of Americans, including 51 percent of Democrats, believe he should not run.
Sixty-nine percent of all respondents who said he shouldn’t run cited concerns over his age as a major or minor reason.
Biden likes to answer those concerns by saying, “watch me” — meaning that voters should focus on his policy wins at home and his marshaling of an unprecedented Western alliance to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s invasion.
Over the next year and a half, Biden will have all the advantages of incumbency, backed by a united party, while Republicans are only just starting a messy primary season.
Trump, despite becoming the first former or serving president to be criminally indicted — and facing probes into his attempt to overturn his loss to Biden in the 2020 election — is the overwhelming Republican frontrunner.
On Monday, Trump was quick to pitch in his own criticism of the man who defeated him last time around.
“With such a calamitous and failed presidency, it is almost inconceivable that Biden would even think of running for reelection,” he said in a statement.
The most likely Republican challenger to the 76-year-old Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, presents a similarly right-wing figure, though starkly younger at 44.
– ‘Rebuilding the middle class’ –
Biden will underline his foreign policy credentials Tuesday when he meets with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is starting a state visit to the White House.
Like in 2020, Biden’s video message framed his election bid as a fight to save American democracy from Trump and increasingly far-right Republicans. However, he also stressed his message of restoring an economy with heavy focus on the manufacturing base and jobs for the middle class.
Later Tuesday he was scheduled to deliver an economic address to a union conference being held in Washington.
While not a campaign event, the scheduled theme — “how his investing in America agenda is bringing manufacturing back, rebuilding the middle class, and creating good-paying union jobs” — was set to be at the heart of the Democrat’s 2024 message.
– Bland but comforting? –
Biden’s approval ratings have not topped 50 percent for more than a year and a half.
However, he has consistently over-delivered when it matters. Supporters say the Democratic Party’s surprisingly strong performance in 2022 midterm congressional elections validated the Biden brand.
And while Biden may seem bland in comparison to Trump, he would bank on his moderate, old fashioned image being the secret weapon needed in an increasingly extreme era.
“My dad had an expression,” Biden often says. “‘Joey, don’t compare me to the Almighty. Compare me to the alternative.’”
In commemoration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo state, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has called for sustained civic engagement to uphold democratic values and foster development.
Oseni emphasised the pivotal role of democracy in nation-building, urging unity and collective efforts in addressing pressing issues facing the nation.
The lawmaker, in a statement released on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, stressed the importance of active participation in the democratic process, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant in defending democratic principles and contributing to the betterment of society.
“Democracy thrives when citizens actively engage in the affairs of their communities and nations. Nigeria is blessed with diverse talents and resources, and it is imperative that we harness these potentials through active civic engagement and collaboration,” remarked Oseni.
“As we celebrate Democracy Day, let us renew our commitment to civic participation and collective action for the progress of our constituency, state, and nation”, he continued.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) highlighted the significance of June 12 as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Nigerians, especially the late Chief M.K.O Abiola in the struggle for democracy, reiterating the responsibility of citizens to safeguard the gains of democracy through meaningful engagement.
He pledged to continue advocating for policies that promote inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in governance, while also encouraging constituents to play an active role in shaping the future of their communities.
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, reiterated his allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday, affirming his intention to spearhead campaigns across the 16 local government areas of the state in preparation for the forthcoming congresses.
Addressing a gathering of PDP stakeholders in Ado Ekiti at the NTS Events Centre, Fayose debunked speculations suggesting he had defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He firmly stated his continued loyalty to the PDP and urged party members to desist from spreading unfounded rumors.
“I would never join APC,” Fayose emphasised, urging PDP members to refrain from tarnishing his reputation and to prioritise unity within the party.
He expressed appreciation for Governor Oyebanji’s efforts in the state, acknowledging the governor’s initiatives irrespective of political affiliations.
Reflecting on his past support for Asiwaju Tinubu in the presidential election, Fayose highlighted the importance of Yoruba unity while reaffirming his commitment to contesting against Governor Oyebanji in future elections.
Calling for unity among PDP members in Ekiti State, Fayose stressed the need to prevent factionalism within the party. He urged party members to work towards peace and cohesion to secure electoral victories.
“I have come to tell you that the PDP must not die in Ekiti State,” Fayose declared, pledging to commence campaigns in two local government areas and provide logistical support for the party’s election activities across all areas.
“I am not looking for opposition,” he asserted, warning skeptics that his influence would be evident during elections.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has voiced confidence in the imminent fruition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms and policies, predicting positive results soon.
Oseni’s remarks come amidst heightened anticipation surrounding the president’s initiatives and their potential impact on Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.
The politician, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency of Oyo state, in a statement on Wednesday, by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, highlighted the transformative potential of Tinubu’s reforms, emphasising their capacity to address pressing issues and stimulate progress across various sectors.
“I want to encourage Nigerians to face the present challenges before us as a nation with renewed hope. I am aware of the impact of the ongoing economic reforms of the federal government on the mood of the nation, but I am confident that President Bola Tinubu means well for Nigeria and Nigerians and that these reforms as well as his policies will sooner rather than later yield positive results.
“With May 29 serving as a symbolic marker for assessing the trajectory of these reforms, I want to express optimism about the forthcoming developments under Tinubu’s leadership,” the lawmaker remarked.
Oseni further lauded Tinubu’s strategic vision and track record of effective governance, citing his ingenuity, experience, and tenure as Governor of Lagos State as a testament to his leadership capabilities.
According to him, Tinubu’s experience in driving economic growth, infrastructural development, and social welfare programmes positions him as a formidable force in steering Nigeria toward prosperity.
As the nation awaits the realisation of President Tinubu’s agenda, Oseni called for unity and support from all stakeholders, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts in translating policies into tangible outcomes.
He, however, urged fellow legislators and citizens alike to rally behind the president’s vision, recognising the potential for positive change that lies ahead.
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