U.S. waits on Biden reelection bid announcement

Both Barack Obama and Bill Clinton announced their reelection bids in April

If President Joe Biden's 2024 reelection campaign were an airliner, he'd have finished fueling, received clearance from air traffic control — and, to the frustration of his passengers, still be sitting on the ground.

For months, the White House has been teasing an announcement that Mr. Biden will run again in 2024. Also for months, the White House has refused to confirm that he will.

The latest strong hint that Mr. Biden is ready for lift off — yet as usual leaving wiggle room — came from First Lady Jill Biden in a series of interviews with U.S. media during a visit to Namibia and Kenya last week.

Asked by CNN if anything could now prevent Mr. Biden from running, she said: "Not in my book."

Asked by the AP if everything was set, she replied: "Pretty much."

But she also told CNN — in keeping with the Biden camp's keep-them-on-their-toes strategy — "nothing's been planned as yet."

Usually there is little drama around the question of whether an incumbent president seeks a second term. Politicians aren't exactly known for stepping aside voluntarily and all the less so when it comes to giving up the awesome power — and opportunity — of the Oval Office.