Biden "Open to Running for Re-election if Elected"

Refuting Speculation That Goryeong Will Not Seek Reelection
Favorability Increased After Party Convention but Impact Expected to Be Minimal

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Joe Biden, the Democratic presidential candidate in the United States, stated that if he wins the upcoming November election, the possibility of running for a second term remains open. This remark draws attention as it overturns the speculation that he might not seek re-election given that he would assume office at the age of 78 if elected this time.

Biden made these comments during an interview with ABC broadcast on the night of the 23rd (local time). If Biden wins this election and succeeds in a second term, his tenure would extend until the age of 86.

In the interview, Biden said, "I think it is a fair question to ask anyone over 70 whether they are fit and prepared for the presidency," adding, "Watch me."

When the host asked if this meant he was promising to serve only one term, Biden strongly denied it. When the host followed up by asking, "Then are you leaving open the possibility of serving for eight years?" he replied, "Absolutely."

Biden had previously hinted that even if elected, he might not run for a second term, which led to speculation that Kamala Harris, his vice-presidential nominee, could emerge as the candidate for the next presidential election.

Biden, whose advanced age is considered a weakness, is focusing on dispelling rumors about his health. In a previously produced campaign advertisement, he showcased himself driving a sports car he has owned for decades.

Convention Effect Raises Favorability... Impact Expected to Be Limited

Although a poll showed that Biden's favorability increased following the Democratic National Convention held from the 17th to the 20th, the prevailing expectation is that the convention's effect will fall short of hopes.

According to a survey conducted by ABC and polling agency Ipsos over two days starting from the day after the Democratic convention on the 21st, among 714 adults, Biden's favorability rose to 45%, up 5 percentage points from 40% a week earlier. After the 2016 Democratic convention, Hillary Clinton's favorability was 48%, a 6 percentage point increase from before the convention.

ABC evaluated that Biden is entering the election campaign in a better position than Hillary Clinton was in 2016.

However, the convention's viewership ratings were lower than in 2016. Only 30% responded that they watched the convention at least partially on TV or online, while 70% said they did not watch or barely watched it. In a 2016 Gallup survey, 62% said they watched at least part of the Democratic convention.

The New York Times noted that most voters have already decided on their preferred candidate and predicted, "This year's convention could be the year when the boost in support completely disappears."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.