Biden intends to run for reelection in 2024 despite popularity dip

The White House indicated President Joe Biden will run for reelection in 2024 Monday. During a press gaggle aboard Air Force One, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki was asked if President Biden is going to run, and if he told his staff whether or not he is going to run.

“He is. That’s his intention,” Psaki responded.

Her comment Monday reiterates a sentiment Biden himself expressed back in March.

“My plan is to run for reelection. That’s my expectation,” Biden said at a news conference.

Earlier this month, Biden made his first trip to New Hampshire since becoming president. Even though the trip was to tout the recently signed bipartisan infrastructure law, it’s important to note New Hampshire is a pivotal swing state. It’s also home to the first in a series of nationwide party primary elections and the second party contest held in the U.S. every four years.

Meanwhile, conversations in some Democratic circles express concern Biden’s political standing is so weak, he may not be able to win reelection in 2024 if he were to run again. His approval rating has dropped from a high of 57% in April to 42%, according to Gallup. In addition, a new Hill-HarrisX poll published last week found 37% of Democrats and 61% of all voters think Biden should not run for reelection in 2024 and make way for another figure.

“Democrats are concerned,” former New Hampshire state House Speaker Steve Shurtleff told The Associated Press when asked about Biden’s political standing. “I’m concerned about where we may be in another couple of years when people really start to gear up and start making trips to New Hampshire.”

The shortlist of potential Democratic replacements includes three 2020 presidential candidates: Vice President Kamala Harris, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ). Vice President Harris has had her own issues with popularity during Biden’s first year in office. Meanwhile, Sen. Booker announced plans last week to appear at a party fundraiser next month in New Hampshire.

If Biden does run for reelection in 2024, it could set up a 2020 election rematch with former President Donald Trump. Biden will be 81 in 2024, while former President Trump will be 78.