Whether our nation was ready for it or not, the 2024 election cycle has arrived, early and tumultuous already.
Donald Trump’s mid-November announcement that he is once again running for President kicked it all off, and threw it in chaos as well, as the former President continues to face political and legal challenges that could be portrayed by GOP leaders as “risky” in the lead-up to the primaries.
But that will all depend on what happens over on the other side of the aisle. A potential rematch with Joe Biden would almost certainly see Trump favored, given the sheer angst of the MAGA base regarding the outcome of the last general election.
Now, according to a conversation that Dr. Jill Biden had with the President of France, this could be exactly the sort of situation that is coming down the line.
Jill Biden, the first lady, told President Emmanuel Macron of France at the White House state dinner last week that she and her husband are ready for his re-election campaign, according to two people with knowledge of the discussion. President Biden then joined the French president and the first lady in a playful toast.
The remark did not appear light enough to be brushed off flippantly.
The conversation on Thursday evening began as Dr. Biden held court at the head table, which included Mr. Macron; his wife, Brigitte; several French officials; Democratic activists; and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The first lady, an exercise devotee, told the group that fitness helps clear her head, especially when she’s on the campaign trail.
Her disclosure caught Mr. Macron’s ear.
Mr. Macron asked her whether she was ready for another campaign. Absolutely, was Dr. Biden’s emphatic reply. Mr. Macron, who is as eager as the rest of the world for a firm answer about Mr. Biden’s plans, turned to the president and said that apparently congratulations were in order.
Then Mr. Macron led the table in a toast to Mr. Biden’s 2024 campaign. Mr. Macron raised a glass of wine, and Mr. Biden raised his glass of Coca-Cola. When asked about the toast, a spokesman for the Élysée Palace, who insisted on anonymity, said he had no clue about the exchange. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A Biden reelection campaign would certainly prove challenging for the Democratic Party to swallow, particularly as the President’s age continues to raise alarms.
