After much speculation, Joe Biden announced his bid to return as U.S. President for a second consecutive term this week.
It comes after his predecessor in the White House, Donald Trump, launched his own presidential campaign last year.
It means there might be a Biden and Trump rematch, although this isn’t guaranteed.
The race Biden and Trump will need to run
U.S. Presidents are elected for four-year terms and can serve a maximum of two. Both Biden and Trump are seeking a second term.
First, they have to secure the nomination of their parties (Democrats and Republicans, respectively). Both will face some competition for the nomination.
Parties choose a nominee in a complex series of votes. The two successful nominees will then be the main contenders in the Presidential election in November 2024.
What’s stopping a Biden and Trump rematch?
According to a recent poll, only half of Democrats want Biden to run again, likely due to his age. However, 81% say they would likely vote for him if he becomes the nominee.
Former President Barack Obama and Senator Bernie Sanders have already endorsed Biden’s 2024 bid. Vice-President Kamala Harris featured heavily in his launch video, which has been taken as a signal of support.
Two fringe candidates have announced their candidacy – self-help guru Marianne Williamson and anti-vax advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr (JFK’s nephew).
The Republican race is likely to have several contenders. Former South Carolina Governor and UN Ambassador Nikki Haley has already announced her candidacy.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has not formally entered the race but is widely seen as Trump’s biggest rival. DeSantis has become popular among conservatives for imposing strong restrictions on abortion and LGBT education in Florida, and for rejecting mask and vaccine mandates during the pandemic.
Trump’s criminal charges
Trump’s bid is complicated by legal issues.
Earlier this month, he was charged with falsifying business records, making him the first current or former U.S. President to face criminal charges. He is also under investigation for a variety of other matters.
Trump is still allowed to run while facing criminal charges, and could potentially be elected as President while on trial.
