get of issues with your teeth, can't get an appointment and scared of what might happen. thank you for listening. live from london, this is bbc news. it's expected to be confirmed shortly thatjoe biden will stand for a second term as us president. at the age of 80, mr biden is already the oldest us president in history — and would be 86 by the end of a second term. confirmation of his latest run for the white house could set president biden up for a potential rematch against donald trump. hello, welcome to bbc news. joe biden has confirmed in the last minute that he will run for election as president in 202a. his campaign

message is expected to be titled "freedom", and repeat his 2020 campaign message, describing the united states as being in a battle for the soul of the nation. he called on all americans to stand up for their personal freedoms, and defend democracy. if re—elected, joe biden will be 86 when he leaves office. he is already the oldest president in us history. freedom. personalfreedom is fundamental to us as americans. there is nothing more important, nothing more sacred. that has been the work of my first term, to fight for our democracy. this should not be an issue. to protect our rights, to make sure everyone in this country is treated equally, and that everyone is given a fair shot.

but around the country, extremists are lining up to take our most bedrock freedoms. cutting social security that you have paid for, cutting taxes, dictating what health care decisions women can take, banning books, and telling people who they can love. all making it more difficult for you to vote. when i ran for president four years ago, i said we were in a battle for the soul of america, and we still are. the question we facing is whether in the years ahead, we have more freedom or less freedom. more rights or i know what i want and i think you do, too. this is not a time to be complacent. that's why i am running for election. because i know america. i know we are good and

decent people. i know we are still a country that believes in honesty and respect, and treating each other with dignity. we are a nation where we give hate no safe harbour. we believe everyone is equal, that everyone should be given a fair shot to succeed in this country. my regeneration of america means we have to defend democracy, stand up for personalfreedom, have to defend democracy, stand up for personal freedom, stand have to defend democracy, stand up for personalfreedom, stand up for the right to vote and our civil rights. and this is our moment.

so, if you are with me. let's finish thisjob. i know we can. this is the united states of america. there is nothing, simply nothing, we cannot deal if we work together. —— cannot do. so that gives you an idea of the tone ofjoe biden �*s bid to be re—elected as president of the united states. let's go live now to the bbc correspondence joining united states. let's go live now to the bbc correspondencejoining us from washington. of course it is no surprise, he has been very clear that that's what he intended to do. yes, let's be honest, although it is breaking news, it is not ground—breaking news in the sense that we knew this was coming. he had delayed the announcement, which did

lead to some speculation whether he was going to, and he did say earlier in the month that it was his intention to run, and his wife, the first lady, jill biden said back in february that whether there was a question of him running again, and she said there was no question, it wasjust about a she said there was no question, it was just about a formality. during his twenty20 campaign, he talked a lot about how he was the bridge for the next generation of leaders, and that he was almost a transitional guide. it's clearfrom that he was almost a transitional guide. it's clear from that video, that three—minute highly produced video, that he still wants to run again, and it is very likely that the person he will be facing is donald trump, by far the front runnerfor the republican runner for the republican presidential nomination, runnerfor the republican presidential nomination, setting america up for a rematch of 2020. the trouble is that democrats and the general public in america don't think he should be running. this

the general public in america don't think he should be running.- think he should be running. this is the thin. think he should be running. this is the thing. there _ think he should be running. this is the thing. there are _ think he should be running. this is the thing. there are lots _ think he should be running. this is the thing. there are lots of- think he should be running. this is the thing. there are lots of holes i the thing. there are lots of holes in recent months that have consistently shown that americans don't want him, or donald trump, to run again. for president biden, a lot of those who have said he did it matter they do want him to run have decided his age. if he gets a second term and he finishes that for years and leaves the white house, he will be 86 years old. he will be close to 90. the last president whose age was brought up in this way was ronald reagan and he was 7/7 when he left the white house in 1989, and he was seen as pushing it. joe biden has been asked about his age, and he has said that people are fair to ask him and question that, but he has also said that the only answer he would give to those questioning his age is, "just watch me". find give to those questioning his age is, "just watch me".— is, "just watch me". and he says he's not is, "just watch me". and he says he's got to _ is, "just watch me". and he says he's got to finish _ is, "just watch me". and he says he's got to finish the _ is, "just watch me". and he says he's got to finish the job, - is, "just watch me". and he says he's got to finish the job, what l is, "just watch me". and he says| he's got to finish the job, what is thejob he is talking about? this he's got to finish the job, what is the job he is talking about? this is

something. _ the job he is talking about? this is something. it's — the job he is talking about? this is something, it's a _ the job he is talking about? this is something, it's a repeated - the job he is talking about? this is something, it's a repeated mantraj something, it's a repeated mantra from his address earlier in the year. the fact is that president biden can now say to the american people, look at what i have achieved. his legislative accomplishments. for example, he has passed a very moderate gun safety package, which is quite rare for a president to do. he has also talked about abortion rights in this country. we note last year roe v wade was overturned and that it is not popular with the people. his party did well in the mid—term elections, which is quite rare for the party in power to achieve that, so he has taken that as a sign that the american people are confident in him. what is interesting in the video is that he did make a direct attack on extremist, members of the republican party who are seen as very to the far right of it. he used clips from january the 6th capital rides to make his point, but he himself over the last two years has

not done much to heal political divisions. he has achieved big wins legislatively, and built a solid alliance against russia following its invasion of ukraine, and these are things he can point out. he is saying, we can finish the job. if he saying, we can finish the 'ob. if he ends u- saying, we can finish the 'ob. if he ends up running h saying, we can finish the job. if he ends up running against donald trump, is he a good match and would he offer democrats, is there a case for saying he would offer democrats the best chance for winning? weill. the best chance for winning? well, there has been _ the best chance for winning? well, there has been no _ the best chance for winning? well, there has been no pressure - the best chance for winning? well, there has been no pressure on - the best chance for winning? -ii there has been no pressure on him to announce his rerun any earlier. we mentioned before that it is not a surprise that he is running. there were a few delays, but there is nobody else that you could point out in the democratic party in the way that you can with the republican party, perhaps, to say ok, joe biden could potentially have this as a challenger. the only two people

running are robert kennedyjunior and marianne williamson, who are seen as a long shot. it's fair to say that the democratic party by larger behind him. they have been those behind—the—scenes you have questioned his physical ability, his mental ability, questioned his physical ability, his mentalability, given questioned his physical ability, his mental ability, given his age, but as far as the democratic party are concerned, it would appear that they very much believe he is their guy and that the vice president, who herself suffers from low approval ratings, is still seen as, you know, the ideal running mate for him. so the ideal running mate for him. so the fact that he has announced his bid and _ the fact that he has announced his bid and i_ the fact that he has announced his bid and i think that shows that the democratic party is very much behind him. �* , ., ., democratic party is very much behind him. �* ., him. and there is a real practical consideration _ him. and there is a real practical consideration here, _ him. and there is a real practical consideration here, and - him. and there is a real practical consideration here, and that - him. and there is a real practical consideration here, and that is i him. and there is a real practical i consideration here, and that is the campaign trail, and we are talking about an election that is not happening to the back end of next year, is very punishing, isn't it? it is. america is a huge country, so you have to visit the key states,

they can't tour all the states, but they can't tour all the states, but the key states where the election will be won. and that feeds in to the queries that people have about president biden �*s age. but look, you know, a few weeks, a few months, he is set to go off to australia and to japan, he he is set to go off to australia and tojapan, he is he is set to go off to australia and to japan, he is continuing business as normal. i think what would you will see next is he will start putting together his presidential campaign, finance manager, pollsters, state leaders, volunteers, all sorts of things. donald trump is already pretty much campaigning since he announced that he was running last november, but i think it is fair to say that, from now on, what we see from joe biden and certainly from a donald trump, will basically be them campaigning for the 2024 presidential election. believe me, having covered an election before here, they come around very, very quickly. the? election before here, they come around very, very quickly. they do indeed. thank— around very, very quickly. they do indeed. thank you _ around very, very quickly. they do indeed. thank you very _ around very, very quickly. they do indeed. thank you very much - around very, very quickly. they do i indeed. thank you very much indeed. live now tojulia manchester, political reporter for the hill.

julia, we have been watching a campaign video there. it is quite evocative, you know, and it's always quite emotional talking about really the soul of america. what doesjoe biden think that he can offer america now? it’s biden think that he can offer america now?— biden think that he can offer america now? �* , ., , ,. america now? it's really reminiscent of his 2020 — america now? it's really reminiscent of his 2020 presidential— america now? it's really reminiscent of his 2020 presidential re-election | of his 2020 presidential re—election bid, and i think in that video, and in 2020 or 2019 when he first got into the race, he is very much trying to offer a unifying message to bring the country together under one umbrella at a time when we see america so incredibly divided. the question he will face, though, is, has he been able to do that while he has he been able to do that while he has been president? is not necessarily his fault, but i would say that the country is really more divided than ever. you know, he started his presidential term just weeks before we saw the january the 6th attack on the capitol, and there

has been big tests. he is also going to try to run on his record, whether thatis to try to run on his record, whether that is on the economy or passing a major pieces of legislation, like the infrastructure bill, for example. so i think he is going to run on his record and have this unifying message. all of that is very much creating a contrast with former president chun. i thinkjoe biden is going to try to paint him as a very partisan figure, a bombastic figure —— president trump. he will try to appeal to voters and paint himself as a calming influence.— paint himself as a calming influence. �* ., , influence. and of course he will ho -e influence. and of course he will hope that _ influence. and of course he will hope that underpinning - influence. and of course he will hope that underpinning his - influence. and of course he will- hope that underpinning his campaign is a recovery in the economy. he will ho -e is a recovery in the economy. he: will hope that, and we have seen that the economy has somewhat stabilised. inflation is still obviously a huge problem here in the united states, interest rates are still very high, so there are questions about, you know, how voters will cast their ballot on the

economy. but we talked so much about the economy in american politics because conventional wisdom leads us down that road, but we are seeing in past elections, past and recent elections like in 2022, that there are other major issues that are starting to play a deciding factor in how voters vote, and one of those issuesis in how voters vote, and one of those issues is abortion access, and we are seeing that abortion is very much playing a huge role in american politics. in fact, you have a lot of anti—abortion groups going after donald trump because they think he has not been vocal enough on the issue, whereas you havejoe biden and the democrats continuing to say "we will protect your right to have an abortion in this country". of italy, that all happened, you know, that was let out of the bag when roe v wade was overturned last year, but we have seen that the come very much a deciding factor in us elections since. , ., ,

a deciding factor in us elections since.�* ., , , a deciding factor in us elections since. ., , , since. julia, stay with us if you will. since. julia, stay with us if you will- let's _ since. julia, stay with us if you will. let's get _ since. julia, stay with us if you will. let's get the _ since. julia, stay with us if you will. let's get the perspective | since. julia, stay with us if you - will. let's get the perspective now of another guest. live now to thomas gift, the director of the centre on us politics at university college london. we've been talking about the prospect of donald trump running againstjoe biden. could this be simply a rematch? against joe biden. could this be simply a rematch?— against joe biden. could this be simply a rematch? well, for a lot of voters that — simply a rematch? well, for a lot of voters that the _ simply a rematch? well, for a lot of voters that the phrase _ simply a rematch? well, for a lot of voters that the phrase that - simply a rematch? well, for a lot of voters that the phrase that comes l simply a rematch? well, for a lot of| voters that the phrase that comes to mind when_ voters that the phrase that comes to mind when thinking about donald trump _ mind when thinking about donald trump againstjoe biden is "not again"~ — trump againstjoe biden is "not again". and it does look like it will he — again". and it does look like it will be that rematch. the numbers seem _ will be that rematch. the numbers seem to _ will be that rematch. the numbers seem to back the fact up that americans don't want this choice. a recent_ americans don't want this choice. a recent poli— americans don't want this choice. a recent poll found that almost 40% of americans _ recent poll found that almost 40% of americans said they felt exhaustion at the _ americans said they felt exhaustion at the prospect of going through another— at the prospect of going through another campaign with these two candidates. so that's really the irony — candidates. so that's really the irony. most voters don't want another— irony. most voters don't want another redo of 2020, and yet the political— another redo of 2020, and yet the political pressures seem to be spiralling towards exactly that outcome. joe biden does not face a serious _ outcome. joe biden does not face a serious primary challenger, despite many— serious primary challenger, despite many in _ serious primary challenger, despite many in his— serious primary challenger, despite many in his party behind closed doors _ many in his party behind closed doors wishing he would pass the button _ doors wishing he would pass the button to— doors wishing he would pass the button to someone else, someone

youngen _ button to someone else, someone younger. donald trump still has more of a battle _ younger. donald trump still has more of a battle in — younger. donald trump still has more of a battle in front of him to secure — of a battle in front of him to secure the republican nomination, but he _ secure the republican nomination, but he is _ secure the republican nomination, but he is clearly the frontrunner at this point — but he is clearly the frontrunner at this point. he has got a big boost in the _ this point. he has got a big boost in the polls— this point. he has got a big boost in the polls recently, including atter— in the polls recently, including after his— in the polls recently, including after his indictment in new york. so he leads— after his indictment in new york. so he leads his — after his indictment in new york. so he leads his closest competitor for the governor by about 15%. 2024 definitely — the governor by about 15%. 2024 definitely looks like a choice between one president and one former president. _ between one president and one former president, both of whom have approval— president, both of whom have approval numbers that are underwater.— approval numbers that are underwater. : ., g ., �* underwater. and what will joe biden ho -e for? i underwater. and what will joe biden hope for? i have _ underwater. and what will joe biden hope for? i have been _ underwater. and what will joe biden hope for? i have been discussing . hope for? i have been discussing this with julia, hope for? i have been discussing this withjulia, and suggesting that he will now be hoping that the wind behind him is now coming from partly the economy, but hopefully he would —— presumably he would like donald trump to be continuing to be embroiled in legal matters. ma'or art of the embroiled in legal matters. ma'or part of the calculation i embroiled in legal matters. ma'or part of the calculation fori embroiled in legal matters. ma'or part of the calculation forjoe h part of the calculation forjoe biden— part of the calculation forjoe biden is— part of the calculation forjoe biden is simply that is discouraging of some _ biden is simply that is discouraging of some of— biden is simply that is discouraging of some of his own numbers are, donald _ of some of his own numbers are, donald trump is an is even worse. and it _ donald trump is an is even worse. and it comes— donald trump is an is even worse. and it comes to these key swing states— and it comes to these key swing states like pennsylvania, georgia, michigan, — states like pennsylvania, georgia, michigan, wisconsin and so on,

democrats _ michigan, wisconsin and so on, democrats and a large fraction of voters. _ democrats and a large fraction of voters. are — democrats and a large fraction of voters, are still going to turn out forjoe _ voters, are still going to turn out forjoe biden. that is a hope. it is worth— forjoe biden. that is a hope. it is worth stressing that a lot of democrats are actually hoping that donald _ democrats are actually hoping that donald trump will get the nomination because _ donald trump will get the nomination because they perceive that he is a more _ because they perceive that he is a more beatable candidate than maybe ron desantis and they think that donald _ ron desantis and they think that donald trump simply has so much baggage _ donald trump simply has so much baggage from two impeachment and other scandals that he is not electable. but it is important not to discount the odds that donald trump _ to discount the odds that donald trump could win again. he has an incredibly— trump could win again. he has an incredibly loyal base, he is a uniquely— incredibly loyal base, he is a uniquely iconic figure who has been able to— uniquely iconic figure who has been able to tap — uniquely iconic figure who has been able to tap in to populace discontent and anger that is too prevalent— discontent and anger that is too prevalent in the country. he also has a _ prevalent in the country. he also has a media ecosystem behind him, despite _ has a media ecosystem behind him, despite some shifts occurring at fox news _ despite some shifts occurring at fox news so— despite some shifts occurring at fox news. so donald trump may have a narrow _ news. so donald trump may have a narrow path — news. so donald trump may have a narrow path to victory, but that's what _ narrow path to victory, but that's what he — narrow path to victory, but that's what he said in 2016 as well, so i expect— what he said in 2016 as well, so i expect that — what he said in 2016 as well, so i expect that 2024 will be a competitive risk.- expect that 2024 will be a competitive risk. expect that 2024 will be a cometitive risk. , ., ., . ~ competitive risk. julia, going back to ou. competitive risk. julia, going back to you- we've _ competitive risk. julia, going back to you. we've been _ competitive risk. julia, going back to you. we've been hearing - competitive risk. julia, going back to you. we've been hearing from. to you. we've been hearing from thomas astaire about the ecosystem,

the very solid base that donald trump has. what doesjoe biden do with that? is the approach that he appears to have used thus far to ostracise them, to stigmatise them? look, he is going to be very careful about how he approaches talking about how he approaches talking about donald trump versus donald trump �*s base of voters, and we saw that hillary clinton in 2016 made that hillary clinton in 2016 made that very, very grave mistake, calling them deplorable. so what you are going to see isjoe biden make sure he is directing that i do donald trump and not his base, saying that he wants to be a president of all america. more importantly, joe biden is going to want to appeal to independent or swing voters. there are hard core republican donald trump voters who are going to vote for donald trump, no matter what. i'm sure thejoe biden campaign and the democratic calculus it will never get those voters, but they could get those swing voters that ultimately decide

elections in a number of these key states, whether that's wisconsin, pennsylvania, arizona, for example. so they are going to be appealing to those voters. like i said before, the messaging is not only on the economy, but it's on other issues like abortion.— economy, but it's on other issues like abortion. right. thomas, if we could come — like abortion. right. thomas, if we could come back _ like abortion. right. thomas, if we could come back to _ like abortion. right. thomas, if we could come back to you _ like abortion. right. thomas, if we could come back to you here. - could come back to you here. interesting thatjoe biden has stolen, in a way, some of the ground of donald trump with his approach to china, which is quite tough. yes. china, which is quite tough. yes, one of the _ china, which is quite tough. yes, one of the things _ china, which is quite tough. yes, one of the things we _ china, which is quite tough. yes, one of the things we have - china, which is quite tough. yes, one of the things we have seen with joe biden— one of the things we have seen with joe biden is— one of the things we have seen with joe biden is a status quo on china, and there — joe biden is a status quo on china, and there is— joe biden is a status quo on china, and there is a broad consensus within— and there is a broad consensus within washington about taking it tough _ within washington about taking it tough on — within washington about taking it tough on china generally. so you do see some _ tough on china generally. so you do see some splits within the democratic party, and even with the repuhlican— democratic party, and even with the republican party, but that tone that donald _ republican party, but that tone that donald trump has set on china, joe biden— donald trump has set on china, joe biden has— donald trump has set on china, joe biden has really taken that mantle and continued it. there are some differences, of course. donald trump

's approach _ differences, of course. donald trump 's approach was generally much more volatile. _ 's approach was generally much more volatile, slapping tariffs on china, for example and he almost did it willy—nilly, whereasjoe biden has been _ willy—nilly, whereasjoe biden has been much more methodical and laid out a _ been much more methodical and laid out a plan _ been much more methodical and laid out a plan. but certainly, we see a lot of— out a plan. but certainly, we see a lot of parallels. it out a plan. but certainly, we see a lot of parallels.— lot of parallels. it is slightly asymmetric _ lot of parallels. it is slightly asymmetric from _ lot of parallels. it is slightly asymmetric from the - lot of parallels. it is slightly - asymmetric from the perspective of the voters because the following for donald trump is emotionally charged in many cases, isn't it?— in many cases, isn't it? that's absolutely _ in many cases, isn't it? that's absolutely the _ in many cases, isn't it? that's absolutely the case. - in many cases, isn't it? that's absolutely the case. donald . in many cases, isn't it? that's- absolutely the case. donald trump 's base does— absolutely the case. donald trump 's base does not take a lot for them to -et base does not take a lot for them to get into— base does not take a lot for them to get into a _ base does not take a lot for them to get into a defensive posture. of course, — get into a defensive posture. of course, we _ get into a defensive posture. of course, we saw the excesses of that on january— course, we saw the excesses of that on january the 6th, course, we saw the excesses of that onjanuary the 6th, and with his recent— onjanuary the 6th, and with his recent indictment in new york, there's— recent indictment in new york, there's so— recent indictment in new york, there's so much consternation and anger, _ there's so much consternation and anger, and — there's so much consternation and anger, and donald trump has done nothing _ anger, and donald trump has done nothing to— anger, and donald trump has done nothing to dampen that. of course, he feels _ nothing to dampen that. of course, he feels it— nothing to dampen that. of course, he feels it by talking to his supporters on social media. really framing _ supporters on social media. really framing it— supporters on social media. really framing it about an attack on me, don linacre — framing it about an attack on me, don linacre donald trump, is not 'ust don linacre donald trump, is not just an _ don linacre donald trump, is not just an attack on me, is an attack on all— just an attack on me, is an attack on all of—

just an attack on me, is an attack on all of us — just an attack on me, is an attack on all of us. he has been effective with that — on all of us. he has been effective with that type of messaging. when you look— with that type of messaging. when you look at the base of the two parties. — you look at the base of the two parties, the hardcore republicans, you are _ parties, the hardcore republicans, you are going to see more enthusiasm among _ you are going to see more enthusiasm among those hard—core republicans. i think that's _ among those hard—core republicans. i think that's also true in 2020, despite — think that's also true in 2020, despite the fact that joe biden was able to— despite the fact that joe biden was able to pull that one out. gn despite the fact that joe biden was able to pull that one out.— able to pull that one out. on the sub'ect of able to pull that one out. on the subject of social _ able to pull that one out. on the subject of social media, - able to pull that one out. on the subject of social media, it - able to pull that one out. on the subject of social media, it has i subject of social media, it has played a well—publicised role in the last election, and the election before that in 2016, when donald trump was elected. perhaps what is different now, though, is the ability of generative ai different now, though, is the ability of generative al to create images which are focus are very small parts of the electorate, but also may not be genuine. yes. small parts of the electorate, but also may not be genuine. yes, and that is a big _ also may not be genuine. yes, and that is a big question, _ also may not be genuine. yes, and that is a big question, and - also may not be genuine. yes, and that is a big question, and a - also may not be genuine. yes, and that is a big question, and a big i that is a big question, and a big concern, given russian interference and outside interference in past us elections. you know, we are having a national debate here in the us about

the role of tiktok and whether it should be banned nationally or within certain states, and you see these concerns mentioned in those conversations. so it is absolutely a real concern, given past elections and the outside interference. especially in 2016, so i think you will be hearing a lot about that going forward. will be hearing a lot about that going forward-— will be hearing a lot about that auoin forward, ., .,, ., going forward. julia has mentioned this issue of _ going forward. julia has mentioned this issue of abortion. _ going forward. julia has mentioned this issue of abortion. it _ going forward. julia has mentioned this issue of abortion. it appears . this issue of abortion. it appears to be from the outside anyway, to issues on which americans are very divided. may be more than two, but two of them are guns and abortion. absolutely. those are going to be two big _ absolutely. those are going to be two big issues heading into 2024. i think— two big issues heading into 2024. i think abortion clearly helps the democrats. there was obvious in the 2022 _ democrats. there was obvious in the 2022 midterms, that there are a lot of states— 2022 midterms, that there are a lot of states where turnout was high precisely — of states where turnout was high precisely because of this abortion issue _ precisely because of this abortion issue it — precisely because of this abortion issue. it has been a huge game changer— issue. it has been a huge game changer in _ issue. it has been a huge game changer in american politics, and i think— changer in american politics, and i think the _ changer in american politics, and i think the extent to which it has

galvanised a lot of democrats has surprised — galvanised a lot of democrats has surprised even republicans. americans do have quite nuanced views— americans do have quite nuanced views on— americans do have quite nuanced views on abortion, but when we see some _ views on abortion, but when we see some of— views on abortion, but when we see some of the — views on abortion, but when we see some of the more extreme laws, like the one _ some of the more extreme laws, like the one that — some of the more extreme laws, like the one that was recently signed by the one that was recently signed by the florida — the one that was recently signed by the florida governor, it essentially outlaws _ the florida governor, it essentially outlaws all abortions because at six weeks. _ outlaws all abortions because at six weeks. for— outlaws all abortions because at six weeks, for example, a lot of women do not _ weeks, for example, a lot of women do not know— weeks, for example, a lot of women do not know they are pregnant. this is certainly — do not know they are pregnant. this is certainly an issue that i think many— is certainly an issue that i think many more _ is certainly an issue that i think many more moderate voices within the republican— many more moderate voices within the republican party are becoming increasing attuned too. it's one reason — increasing attuned too. it's one reason why donald trump, i think, has downplayed abortion as a key issue _ has downplayed abortion as a key issue that— has downplayed abortion as a key issue. that has frustrated some of his base _ issue. that has frustrated some of his base of— issue. that has frustrated some of his base of support, but he doesn't see this _ his base of support, but he doesn't see this as— his base of support, but he doesn't see this as a — his base of support, but he doesn't see this as a political winner. thomas— see this as a political winner. thomas and julia, i would like to thank you both very much for being with us here on bbc world news. live now to the bbc�*s nomia iqbal in washington.

it sometimes starts in iowa, or an unexpected place, doesn't it? yes. unexpected place, doesn't it? yes, iowa is unexpected place, doesn't it? yes, lowa is one — unexpected place, doesn't it? yes, lowa is one of— unexpected place, doesn't it? yes, iowa is one of the _ unexpected place, doesn't it? yes, iowa is one of the key _ unexpected place, doesn't it? yes iowa is one of the key places but as iowa is one of the key places but as i mentioned before, these campaigns, you have got his white house gender which president biden will be doing, and usually they will say, there was nothing to do here with the campaign, but often i think it's fair to say that the campaigning pretty much begins from now on. either unofficially, or officially. 0ne either unofficially, or officially. one thing ijust either unofficially, or officially. one thing i just wanted either unofficially, or officially. one thing ijust wanted to note as well, watching the video again, president biden does not actually really say anything about his legislative accomplishments. these videos are always very interesting, these campaign videos. they are full of compelling images and themes. the words matter as well, but he really doesn't go into any of the accomplishments that he has achieved. and there is plenty of him to point out. perhaps that will be highlighted on the campaign run. this is very much a video that is a

direct attack, you could say, on those so—called maga extremist, the men's of the republican party on the far right of it, and it will be interesting to see the reaction from them. it's very early in the morning here, it is nearly 6:30am, so he has officially released the video as early as possible to get the country talking about it. i early as possible to get the country talking about it.— talking about it. i guess he will want to keep — talking about it. i guess he will want to keep the _ talking about it. i guess he will want to keep the tone - talking about it. i guess he will| want to keep the tone positive, talking about it. i guess he will- want to keep the tone positive, but he has been, on occasion rattled and he has been, on occasion rattled and he is not above that, is he? yes. he is not above that, is he? yes, but president _ he is not above that, is he? yes, but president biden _ he is not above that, is he? yes, but president biden is _ he is not above that, is he? yes but president biden is someone who is often accused —— has often accused the republican party and has mentioned in this video of creating political divisions, but he himself has not done much to heal political divisions himself. it will be interesting to see, you know, exactly what he has to say about that i would say, moving forward. his video is very much an attack on

maga republicans. the republican party is still popular in this party. they control the house as well. when i travelled up and down the country, there is a lot of americans who don't necessarily trust him, and they still believe in the big lie, so to speak of that he did not legitimately win the election. there is still a huge amount of support for donald trump. donald trump did release a statement yesterday in anticipation, and we knew that this video was coming. it was a long statement in which he attacked president biden, accused him of being the most corrupt president in american history. we know that donald trump likes to use hyperbole and make very exaggerated statements. so i can imagine that we will be hearing a lot more from donald trump over the next 24 hours, or so. donald trump over the next 24 hours, orso. it donald trump over the next 24 hours, or so. it does look like it is potentially going to be a rematch between both of them. i know ron desantis has been talked about as a potential rival to donald trump, but

his approval ratings have been falling recently. find his approval ratings have been falling recently.— his approval ratings have been fallin: recentl . : ., ., ~ falling recently. and we have talked a lot about what _ falling recently. and we have talked a lot about what various _ falling recently. and we have talked a lot about what various policies, i a lot about what various policies, what he might offer the american electorate, but what we haven't talked about get is afghanistan and the shadow of the withdrawal, the somewhat chaotic and unconstructive withdrawal of us troops in the way that it happened and what shadow that it happened and what shadow that may cast over the american electorate. that may cast over the american electorate-— electorate. more critically, joe biden. if i'm — electorate. more critically, joe biden. if i'm being _ electorate. more critically, joe biden. if i'm being brutally - electorate. more critically, joe - biden. if i'm being brutally honest, and this again is in my work as a journalist, covering different parts of america, afghanistan simply does not come up for the american people. what they tend to talk about, and we know that foreign policy does not always matter to american people. ukraine is an issue that people do care about, and how much they care about america, you know, giving aid to ukraine is another question. but afghanistan were something that the republicans used against president

biden to attack him, but i think for a lot of american people, and certainly when i covered it at the time of the withdrawal, yes there was unhappiness at the way it happened, but do the americans want to punish president biden for pulling the us out of a war that had gone on for more than two decades? i don't think that is the issue that they willjudge him on. what we always see with a presidential election is that they care about issues at home, the economy, abortion rights is actually a big issue as well. we saw in the mid—term elections a lot of the states that put abortion rights directly on the ballot and they upheld those rights. so those are theissues upheld those rights. so those are the issues we can see coming up, and he has talked about that a lot. so it will be those "kitchen table" issues that american people will care about. issues that american people will care about-— issues that american people will care about. thank you very much indeed. so as we've said, president biden is already the oldest president.

with more on the questions that raises, here's nicky schiller. at 80, joe biden is already the oldest us president. if he was to win in 2024, he would be 86 at the end of his second term. some experts have already said that his age could be a campaign issue. he is have already said that his age could be a campaign issue.— be a campaign issue. he is going to be a campaign issue. he is going to be 82 should _ be a campaign issue. he is going to be 82 should he _ be a campaign issue. he is going to be 82 should he be _ be a campaign issue. he is going to be 82 should he be re-elected, - be a campaign issue. he is going to be 82 should he be re-elected, and be 82 should he be re—elected, and if he serves— be 82 should he be re—elected, and if he serves the entirety of a second — if he serves the entirety of a second term, he'll be closer to 90 than _ second term, he'll be closer to 90 than 280. — second term, he'll be closer to 90 than 280, and this raises lots of concerns, — than 280, and this raises lots of concerns, justifiable concerns in my view, _ concerns, justifiable concerns in my view, about — concerns, justifiable concerns in my view, about his ability to fulfil all the — view, about his ability to fulfil all the obligations of office, concerns about his health, his ability— concerns about his health, his ability to— concerns about his health, his ability to finished the second term. so, ability to finished the second term. so. the _ ability to finished the second term. so, the format relation prime minister was 92 years old when he was elected in 2018. the current president of cameroon is 90. some

experts say an 80—year—old now is not like an 80—year—old in the past. the records for ageing have been set all the _ the records for ageing have been set all the time — the records for ageing have been set all the time we _ the records for ageing have been set all the time. we have _ the records for ageing have been set all the time. we have a _ the records for ageing have been set| all the time. we have a 100—year—old marathon— all the time. we have a 100—year—old marathon record, _ all the time. we have a 100—year—old marathon record, which _ all the time. we have a 100—year—old marathon record, which was - marathon record, which was inconceivable _ marathon record, which was inconceivable a _ marathon record, which was inconceivable a while - marathon record, which was inconceivable a while ago. l marathon record, which was - inconceivable a while ago. there have _ inconceivable a while ago. there have been— inconceivable a while ago. there have been world _ inconceivable a while ago. there have been world leaders - inconceivable a while ago. there have been world leaders in - inconceivable a while ago. there have been world leaders in the i inconceivable a while ago. there i have been world leaders in the past that have _ have been world leaders in the past that have lasted _ have been world leaders in the past that have lasted that _ have been world leaders in the past that have lasted that long, - have been world leaders in the past that have lasted that long, but - have been world leaders in the past that have lasted that long, but i- that have lasted that long, but i think— that have lasted that long, but i think we — that have lasted that long, but i think we are _ that have lasted that long, but i think we are a _ that have lasted that long, but i think we are a new— that have lasted that long, but i think we are a new territory- that have lasted that long, but i- think we are a new territory because we are _ think we are a new territory because we are healthier— think we are a new territory because we are healthier than _ think we are a new territory because we are healthier than we _ think we are a new territory because we are healthier than we ever- think we are a new territory because we are healthier than we ever were i we are healthier than we ever were before _ we are healthier than we ever were before i_ we are healthier than we ever were before ithink— we are healthier than we ever were before. i think not— we are healthier than we ever were before. i think not everybody- we are healthier than we ever were before. i think not everybody has . before. i think not everybody has realised — before. i think not everybody has realised that _ before. i think not everybody has realised that fact, _ before. i think not everybody has realised that fact, that _ before. i think not everybody has realised that fact, that you - before. i think not everybody has| realised that fact, that you know, an 80-year-old _ realised that fact, that you know, an 80—year—old or— realised that fact, that you know, an 80—year—old or an _ realised that fact, that you know, i an 80—year—old or an 86—year—old today, _ an 80—year—old or an 86—year—old today, tickly— an 80—year—old or an 86—year—old today. tickly one _ an 80—year—old or an 86—year—old today, tickly one with _ an 80—year—old or an 86—year—old today, tickly one with a _ an 80—year—old or an 86—year—old today, tickly one with a history - an 80—year—old or an 86—year—old today, tickly one with a history ofl today, tickly one with a history of good _ today, tickly one with a history of good health. _ today, tickly one with a history of good health. is— today, tickly one with a history of good health, is very _ today, tickly one with a history of good health, is very different - today, tickly one with a history ofi good health, is very different than an 86-year-old _ good health, is very different than an 86—year—old was _ good health, is very different than an 86—year—old was 50 _ good health, is very different than an 86—year—old was 50 years - good health, is very different than an 86—year—old was 50 years ago. good health, is very different than - an 86—year—old was 50 years ago. so. an 86-year-old was 50 years ago. so, how does an 86—year—old was 50 years ago. how doesjoe biden compare an 86—year—old was 50 years ago. how does joe biden compare with how doesjoe biden compare with former us presidents? donald trump was 70 when he took office in 2017. he wants to run in 2024, and if he did that and one, he would beat 76 years old. ronald reagan was 7/7 when he left office in 1989.

eisenhower left office in 1961, aged 70. he was succeeded by this man, jf kennedy. he was the second youngest us president at 43 when he was elected. as confirmed by the white house, it was theodore roosevelt, who was the youngest being 42 when he came to office. go to the bbc website if you have any more questions on biden's paid for a second term at the presidency. it has been confirmed in the last half—hour of the joe biden it has been confirmed in the last half—hour of thejoe biden will run again. his campaign messages are entitled to be freedom and repeat his campaign message as the united states being in a battle for the soul of the nation. he called for all americans to stand up for the

personal freedoms all americans to stand up for the personalfreedoms and all americans to stand up for the personal freedoms and defend democracy.