Senator Chris Coons, Biden ally, says midterms could be an ‘indication’ for whether he
Close Biden ally says he could wait until NEXT year to announce he is running in 2024: Democratic Senator Chris Coons says midterms will be an indication
- ‘President Biden has always been someone who talked about the need for a transition to a new generation of leaders,’ Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware said
- It comes after the president told 60 Minutes that ‘it’s much too early’ to make a decision on whether he is running for the White House again
- Multiple Biden aides have vowed that the president is running for re-election
- Even Coons previously sounded more confident on the prospects, telling Fox News Sunday the past June: ‘Yes, he is’
President Joe Biden might not make a decision on running for re-election in 2024 until the middle of next year, a close Senate ally of his told reporters on Tuesday.
Democrat Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, Biden’s home state, suggested November’s midterm election results could also be a factor in the president’s decision.
It comes after Biden struck a decidedly uncertain tone when discussing his political future, despite a litany of aides and lawmakers vowing he will mount another campaign.
‘The outcome of the midterm elections will be a fairly strong indication of what the issues are that will shape the ground for the 2024 presidential,’ Coons told reporters, according to Axios.
Coons added that the next presidential election is ‘a long time away.’
‘November 2024 is a long time away, and President Biden has always been someone who talked about the need for a transition to a new generation of leaders,’ he said.
‘The question is just when, and it’s not clear to me that he’s made up his mind about when that should happen.’
He added, And I frankly think he means what he said in the 60 Minutes interview, that he’s focused on doing the job.’
Delaware Senator Chris Coons was discernibly more doubtful about the prospect about President Biden running for a second term than he was in June
Coons’ less certain tone is a departure from the confidence other Democratic allies have shown for Biden running again.
He did however appear confident that Biden would beat Donald Trump if they had a 2024 rematch.
Appearing to consider projections that Republicans could retake both the House and Senate in November, Coons said there were ‘plenty of examples of previous Democratic presidents in our lifetime who had a rough first midterm but then came roaring back and won re-election.’
Biden raised eyebrows on Sunday when he told CBS News’ 60 Minutes that it was ‘much too early’ to say whether he’s running for president again.
‘Look, if I were to say to you, I’m running again, all of a sudden, a whole range of things come into play that I have- requirements I have to change and move and do,’ the president said.
‘It’s much too early to make that kind of decision. I’m a great respecter of fate. And so, what I’m doing is I’m doing my job. I’m gonna do that job. And within the timeframe that makes sense after this next election cycle here, going into next year, make a judgment on what to do.’
Biden told 60 Minutes on Sunday that it was ‘much too early’ to say if he’s running in 2024
It’s highly unusual for presidential candidates, particularly incumbents, to declare for the next White House race before the preceding midterm elections.
However Biden’s comments caused confusion because of the certainty portrayed by his allies.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in late July that Biden ‘intends to run in 2024’ when asked by reporters.
Former adviser Cedric Richmond unequivocally told NBC last week: ‘He’s running.’
Even Coons previously espoused more confidence in Biden seeking a second term.
Asked by Fox News Sunday in June whether his ally in the White House intends to stay for another four years, Coons answered ‘yes.’
‘Let me be clear. I’m not speaking on his behalf or announcing a candidacy. I’m just saying that, as of now, it’s my understanding that the president intends to seek a second term,’ the senator said.