US President Joe Biden has announced that he will be running for reelection in 2024, potentially setting the stage for a rematch against his predecessor, Donald Trump.
In a video released on Tuesday, Biden framed next year’s contest as a fight against Republican extremism, implicitly arguing that he needed more time to fully realize his vow to restore the nation’s character.
Despite the potential for a fierce battle between the two candidates, no major Democratic challengers are expected to emerge against Biden. Currently, only two candidates are in the race: self-help guru Marianne Williamson and anti-vaccine and environmental activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Biden’s decision to run for reelection comes as no surprise, as he has been hinting at his intention to run for some time now. However, it does set the stage for what could be a highly contentious and closely contested race.
As Vice President under President Obama, Biden played a key role in the US intervention in Libya in 2011. He supported the NATO-led military campaign that led to the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi. However, he has since expressed regret over the lack of planning for the aftermath of Gaddafi’s ouster, which led to a power vacuum and ongoing conflict in the country.
As President, Biden has pledged to work with international partners to support a political solution to the conflict and to address the humanitarian crisis in Libya. His position on Libya is likely to be an important issue in the 2024 election, as voters weigh the candidates’ foreign policy credentials and their ability to navigate complex international challenges.