President Joe Biden opened his announcement for reelection with one word: Freedom. He said that protecting the individual freedoms of Americans has been a top priority for him over the last four years.
“Personal freedom is fundamental to who we are as Americans,” Biden said. “There’s nothing more important. Nothing more sacred. That’s been the work of my first term.”
Biden said this is not a time to be complacent.
“When I ran for president four years ago, I said we are in a battle for the soul of America and we still are,” Biden said. “The question we are facing is whether in the years ahead we have more freedom or less freedom — more rights or fewer. I know what I want the answer to be and I think you do too. That’s why I’m running for reelection. Because I know America. I know we’re good and decent people. I know we’re still a country that believes in honesty and respect and treating each other with dignity. We’re a nation where we give hate no safe harbor.”
Biden closed by saying now is the time for Americans to stand up and defend democracy, personal freedom and the right to vote.
Other Democratic Challengers
Even though Biden is the current president, he is not without contest for the nomination.
Many of these challengers rise amidst concerns about Biden’s age and ability to serve. Biden already is the nation’s oldest president of all time. If Biden completes his second term, he will be 84 years old.
Two opponents have pitted themselves against the current president: Marianne Williamson, founder of Project Angel Food, a non-profit organization that delivers meals to ill and dying homebound patients, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nephew of Former President John F. Kennedy.
Republican Challengers
Currently, four Republicans seek to claim the presidency.
— Former President Donald Trump
— Nikki Haley, former governor of South Carolina
— Vivek Ramaswamy, a 37-year-old entrepreneur
— Asa Hutchinson, a former Arkansas governor who has openly criticized Trump
While these four are the only people to have officially declared candidacy, other Republicans such as Ron Desantis, governor of Florida, will likely enter the race at a later date.
To stay up to date on who is running for president in 2024, check out this New York Times article.