Biden Likely To Pursue Only One Presidential Term

People familiar with the inner workings of Joe Biden’s Democratic presidential nominee bid say the former Vice President intends to serve only one term in the White House if elected.

Four unnamed individuals, including campaign aides and top Democrats, have told Politico that there is a continuing debate within Biden’s campaign on whether to make a public pledge to not seek re-election in 2024.

“He’s going to be 82 years old in four years and he won’t be running for reelection,” one aide said. Another aide said that Biden’s “going into this thinking, ‘I want to find a running mate I can turn things over to after four years but if that’s not possible or doesn’t happen then I’ll run for re-election.’”

There has been consistent concern among Democrats about Biden’s advanced age, who is currently 77. Candidates’ age and health have been, in general, a voter worry for Democratic nomination aspirants.

Members of the Biden campaign in favor of a public pledge to a single term argue that it will serve him well, as it would signal to young voters that the Democratic nomination contender won’t delay a new generation of national leadership for eight years. It could also be viewed as serving as a motivation for Biden to accomplish his policy goals in just four years, rather that being pursued over eight.

Those skeptical of this strategy worry, however, that voters could have a valid reason to see supporting Biden as backing a president who would automatically be considered a lame duck. Such a pledge could also be interpreted as an indication of Biden’s lackluster desire to be president – a sentiment that could prove difficult in motivating voter support.

In October, Biden stated that he is hesitant to make a guarantee to limit himself to a single presidential term. “It doesn’t mean I would run a second term. I’m not going to make that judgment at this moment,” he said.

Right now, national polling places Biden firmly in the lead for nomination by the Democratic Party. Sens. Bernie Sanders (I.-Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) have been making steady gains, though, especially in certain key states and voter demographics.