Firm vis-à-vis China, optimistic about the Covid, but mysterious about his intentions in 2024… Joe Biden gave a rare interview to the CBS channel, Sunday September 18, less than two months before the mid-term elections . For the first time, the American president makes it known that he has not firmly decided whether he intends to run for president in 2024. “Is it a final decision that I will run again? That remains to be seen”he declared, while affirming that this was for the moment his “intention”.
The oldest president ever elected in the United States, Joe Biden will celebrate his 80th birthday on November 20. He would be 82 at the start of a possible second term, and 86 at the end, a subject that has long been taboo in his camp. During his interview, he wanted to respond to those who doubt his ability to govern: “Look at me”he started with a smile.
Fifty days before perilous mid-term elections, during which the Democrats could lose control of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Democrat wanted to draw up a flattering assessment of his action. He said the Covid-19 pandemic was “finished” in the USA. “If you look around, no one is wearing a mask, and everyone looks pretty good”he assured.
On the inflation front, the main subject on which the opposition is attacked, Joe Biden again wanted to be confident. “We will bring inflation under control”he promised, brushing aside the disappointing statistics on consumer prices, published earlier this week.
The president also reassured that American troops would defend Taiwan if the island were the target of an attack. “unprecedented attack” of China, a statement that should provoke the fury of Beijing. Joe Biden also said he warned his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, of the risk of investors fleeing if Beijing violated the sanctions imposed on Russia because of its invasion of Ukraine.
Finally, he renewed his warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin about the use of chemical or nuclear weapons in Ukraine. “It would change the course of the war in a way not seen since World War II.”he warned, promising an answer “consequent” of the United States if this step were to be taken.