US President Joe Biden has announced his 2024 re-election campaign, which could see him face off against Donald Trump once again.
Look back on Wednesday's Q&A with Michael Rowland.
Key events
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Live updates
Stay up to date with the latest news and analysis
By Bridget Judd
This is where we'll leave our live coverage for today, but thank you for following along — and of course, a big thank you to Michael Rowland for jumping in to tackle all your burning questions.
Michael: Thank you so much for all of the very well-informed questions. It's been a pleasure answering and explaining what is going on in US politics (almost a full time job!). Please stay across all ABC News platforms for the best analysis of the presidential campaign as we barrel towards 2024. Have a great day!
You can catch up on Wednesday's developments below, or download the ABC News app and subscribe to our range of news alerts for the latest news.
You can also catch up on the latest analysis from the ABC's North America correspondent Carrington Clarke 👇
Could the GOP decide that Donald Trump carries too much baggage?
By Bridget Judd
As Trump faces more negative press (new court case starting today), without Tucker Carlson as a Fox acolyte, could the GOP finally realize he carries too much baggage and look elsewhere? If so, as De Santis also carries baggage - who may be the Republicans best chance to beat Biden?
- Russell
Thanks for your question, Russell, here's Michael Rowland:
Michael: Donald Trump already carries so much political baggage, it's a wonder he gets through every day! Don't forget, this is a Republican Party that has chosen to overlook Trump's bad behaviour all the way back to 2016.
Whether it was attacking war hero John McCain, boasting about grabbing a woman's genitalia, cosying up to Vladimir Putin, or simply refusing to accept the results of the 2020 election (and helping incite the Jan 6 insurrectionists), the GOP has always chosen to look the other way. Even the cavalcade of lawsuits Trump is facing over the next twelve months is unlikely to dent his appeal to the hard-core Republican base.
Yes, DeSantis also carries baggage (who chooses to pick a fight with Mickey Mouse?!), but he would still be a more viable candidate to run against Joe Biden. The age gap alone (Biden is 80, DeSantis is 44) may prove tempting to independent voters. But, it is impossible to see at this stage how Trump does not win the 2024 GOP nomination. 2020 rematch, here we come!
In some news just in, Biden will visit Sydney next month
By Bridget Judd
According to the White House, he'll be attending the Quad leaders' summit in Sydney on May 24.
Mr Biden will join Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and the Prime Minister of Japan, Kishida Fumio.
Will Tucker Carlson's departure from Fox News impact the Trump campaign?
By Bridget Judd
High-profile conservative commentator Tucker Carlson quit his Fox News position this week. Given his prominent role in the 2020 election and its fallout, how might his departure from Fox effect the Trump 2024 campaign? Also, could/would Carlson launch a bid for presidency, and what would this mean for the Republican party?
- Matt
Thanks for the question, Matt, here's Michael Rowland:
Michael: Unlikely we will see candidate Carlson emerge over the next year or so, especially for as long as Donald Trump is a candidate. Carlson's sacking from Fox News could though have a material impact on the presidential campaign, by diminishing the network's oversized influence on US politics.
Carlson was by far the most prominent and scathing pundit on Fox, and he spoke directly to the Republican Party's MAGA base. Now we have the likes of Trump's former strategist Steve Bannon and Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene urging conservatives to actively boycott Fox.
The problem for the Republican party (and I guess American democracy at large) is these voters may now choose to get their news and opinion from even more right-wing and incendiary outlets. This will be good for nobody (and certainly not for the Murdochs).
Could the Democrats parachute someone else in to replace Kamala Harris?
By Bridget Judd
Michael - do you see the Democrats parachuting someone else in to take Kamala's spot on the ticket? And what about surprise GOP contenders? Tucker Carlson?...
- Nathan
We've put this one to Michael Rowland:
Michael: Now that Joe Biden has locked in Kamala Harris as his 2024 running mate, her position is secure. The time to parachute another VP candidate was earlier this year. But the optics of dropping the first African American and first Asian-American from the ticket would have been awful for the Democrats.
If Biden wins another term, the pressure will be on Harris to show she has what it takes to run for President in 2026 (or step up if Biden decides to quit mid-term).
Tucker Carlson's next move will be very interesting. He could follow the template set by another brash TV-Host-turned-politician Donald Trump and run for office, but I think that is unlikely (in this cycle at least).
Time is running out for other GOP contenders, but, as I noted before, it is hard to enter the ring when there's an 800-pound political gorilla already sitting in it, answering to the name Donald.
Hang on, didn't Biden say he'd only serve one term?
By Bridget Judd
I could have sworn that Biden said he'd only serve one term when he was first running (four years ago). Was that not a thing?
- Petal
Thanks for writing in, here's Michael Rowland:
Michael: He didn't specifically say he would serve only one term, but that was the subliminal message her was certainly giving out. Back in 2020, Joe Biden said he would a 'bridge' President, as in a bridge to allow other (read younger) Democratic prospects to have a shot at the White House after his time in office.
Well, that bridge seems to falling apart at the moment as Biden seeks to extend his stay in the Oval Office!
Does Biden's nomination preclude other Democrats from running for president?
By Bridget Judd
Does Biden’s Nomination preclude other Democratic from seeking a bid to be President?
- Kathryn
Thanks for your question, Kathryn. Here's Michael Rowland:
Michael: Any Democrat can run (if they are 35 or older), and it's interesting to look at the next generation of leaders, who would have put their hands up if Joe Biden decided against another run. VP Kamala Harris is the most prominent one, but keep an eye on people like Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg (who ran against Biden for the 2020 nomination); Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (who has proved successful in a swing state) and California Governor Gavin Newsom (although his decidedly 'Blue-State' identity may be hard to translate to a national campaign.
Expect to see all of these Democrats showing their wares over the course of this presidential campaign, and beyond.
Who are the other big name Republicans entering the ring with Trump?
By Bridget Judd
It seems Trump may face more competition from other Republicans. Chris Christie seems keen for a 2024 bid. Could this fracture the GOP voter-base? More than Democratic voters? It’s looking more and more likely that Biden won’t face significant opposition from within the party.
- Daniel
Good question, here's Michael Rowland:
Michael: I agree Biden won't face a serious challenger (unless he stumbles badly). It is more likely that big-name Republicans will enter the ring. Chris Christie (former New Jersey Governor) seems to be itching for a fight with Donald Trump, so he is one to watch.
I would expect Trump's VP, Mike Pence to take on his old boss. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is looking and sounding like a presidential candidate in waiting, but I am not sure he is ready for prime time.
The problem all other GOP candidates have is that the Republican Party is still very much Donald Trump's, and he has a fix on a solid 30-40% of the GOP base. That will be very hard for anyone else to break, no matter how much they try to out-MAGA the former President.
If voters don't want Biden or Trump to be nominees, what impact could it have on turnout?
By Bridget Judd
Given that most of the US want neither Trump or Biden to be the nominees of their respective parties, in the likely event that this becomes the match up, how is this likely to affect voter turnout and the results of the election?
- Paul Harmon
Thanks for writing in Paul, here's Michael Rowland:
Michael: Good question! I was reading an opinion piece this morning simply titled 'Why 2024 could be the most boring presidential primary season ever'. And the general election is shaping up the same way as we head towards a likely 2020 rematch between Trump and Biden.
Lots of voters (Republican, Democratic and independent) could indeed choose to sit it out, and, in a country where voting is voluntary, this could have a big impact on the result. The 'boring' choice being offered to voters could even encourage third-party candidates to jump in. Watch this space!
Kamala Harris seems to have a lower profile than other VPs. Could that be a liability?
By Bridget Judd
From an Australian perspective it seems to me that Kamala Harris has had a low profile to date (compared to Mike pence and others) and that could be a liability for Biden. Accurate?
- Tim J
Thanks for your question, Tim. We've put it to Michael Rowland:
Michael: I would agree that Kamala Harris has had a relatively low profile as VP, especially after the great fanfare that accompanied her selection by Joe Biden to be his 2020 running mate. Mike Pence's profile was elevated because he was often viewed as the 'grown-up' in the Trump White House, and of course his profile skyrocketed for all the wrong reasons on Jan 6, 2021.
Kamala Harris' low profile could have a lot to do with the fact that her approval ratings have often been worse than Joe Biden's. All that said, being a Vice-President has always been a thankless task. In the infamous view of John Nance Garner, one of Franklin Roosevelt's Vice-Presidents, the number two job in the White House is 'not worth a warm bucket of spit.'
Are there any other serious contenders for the Democrats? Could Kamala Harris find support?
By Bridget Judd
Could other candidates for the Democrats put their hand up as we get closer to the election? Would Kamala Harris find support?
Here's Michael Rowland:
Michael: Short answer is that none of the other declared Democratic candidates are considered serious contenders. Political activist Marianne Williamson is the longest of long shots. And despite a name that has royalty status in the Democratic Party, Robert F Kennedy Jr's anti-vaccination campaigns and penchant for conspiracy theories won't get him past first base in the Democratic primaries.
It's extremely unlikely other, more serious, candidates will put up their hands. As Vice-President, Kamala Harris is officially bound to Joe Biden, and I notice at least one of the people seen as a possible contender, California Governor Gavin Newsom, has moved quickly to endorse the President. That said, if Joe Biden has some serious stumbles in the months ahead, this reticence being displayed by other players may quickly disappear.
Is there an age limit to become a politician?
By Bridget Judd
Is there an age limit in Australia for parliament members? Feels like both American popular candidates for president are far too old to be in charge of their country
- Leon
And we're away!
Thanks for your question, Leon. Here's Michael Rowland:
Michael: There is not an age limit in Australia, but you make a very good point that both Mr Trump and Mr Biden seem too old to be running the country, certainly viewed from the Australian political viewpoint. Here, leaders are seen (wrongly, in my view) to be past it once they hit their 60's. Both John Howard and Bob Hawke, for instance, were attacked from within their own parties by the time they reached their 60's. Modern day leaders here tend to be in their 40's or 50's. But, as the old saying goes, with age comes wisdom...
Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama throw support behind Biden's campaign
By Bridget Judd
Taking to social media, Clinton said "Joe and Kamala are the best people for the job", while Obama wrote that Biden had "delivered for the American people".
Michael Rowland will join us in 10 minutes
By Bridget Judd
And he says Biden's announcement is "the worst kept secret in US politics".
Michael: Having spent his entire life aiming for the White House, there was no way Mr Biden was going to say no to a re-election bid. In fact it is rare for US presidents to resign voluntarily after their first term. It is the world’s most powerful job, after all. Mr Biden makes the announcement knowing a lot of Democrats do not want him to run, with the President’s age a common concern.
Mr Biden says he is fit, healthy and raring to go, but presidential campaigns are unforgiving beasts, so how the president copes with the constant travel, speeches and hand-shaking is a valid question to be asking.
Don’t forget COVID restrictions meant Joe Biden spent large chunks of the 2020 campaign giving Zoom speeches from his Delaware home. There are no shortage of risks for the octogenarian, but resilience and endurance have been keen features of his political career so far.
Got a question for Michael? Hit the big blue button at the top of the page.
Gavin Newsom says there is 'no-one better to lead that fight' than Biden
By Bridget Judd
The governor of California has endorsed the US president, writing that he's "looking forward to another 4 years of his leadership".
Voters say neither Joe Biden nor Donald Trump should run in 2024
By Bridget Judd
A poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos has found about half of US Democrats say Joe Biden should not seek re-election next year and that he is too old to run.
The three-day opinion poll — completed a day before he announced his re-election bid — showed an American public unenthused by the prospect of a rematch between Mr Biden and his predecessor and current leading Republican rival, Donald Trump.
- About two-thirds of respondents overall did not want either to run again in 2024.
- Among their own parties, 44 per cent of registered Democratic respondents said Mr Biden should not seek a second term
- 34 per cent of Republicans said Mr Trump should not run again
Could we see a rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump in 2024?
By Bridget Judd
The ABC's North America correspondent Carrington Clarke joins us this morning, and says poll after poll is showing Donald Trump solidifying or increasing his lead over other Republican competitors.
Carrington: After Trump-back candidates underperformed at the mid-term elections last year, there were many writing off the former President’s chance of securing the nominee. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis seemed the heir apparent. He’d romped home in a state which had previously been seen as a bell-weather. He’d adopted many of the culture wars that Trump had fought but had also presided over a massive expansion of Republican control in the state.
Nearly six months later, and the pendulum has well and truly swung back. Poll after poll show Donald Trump solidifying or increasing his lead over other Republican competitors among likely primary voters. It appears that the mounting legal challenges Trump is facing including his indictment and arrest in New York have helped to paint him as a political martyr to many Republicans.
It’s allowed him to suck up huge amounts of media and public attention and milk it for fundraising. He’s also seen huge numbers of endorsements from Republican official and politicians including Steve Daines of Montana, the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee who is highly influential with key establishment figures who might be seen as the major hurdle for Trump’s anointing.
Ron DeSantis may have attempted to shrug off his falling numbers last week by stating 'I'm not a candidate, so we'll see if and when that changes', but it’s looking increasingly dire for him.
Who are the other Democrats that could run in 2024?
By Bridget Judd
As we heard a short time ago, there are only three confirmed candidates — Joe Biden, Marianne Williamson and Robert F Kennedy Jr.
But that doesn't mean there aren't others waiting in the wings.
Scroll through to see who could throw their hat into the ring, or tap for more information.
Biden's timing couldn't be worse for Donald Trump
By Bridget Judd
Joe Biden's re-election launch came on the fourth anniversary of his announcement ahead of the 2020 election.
But, either by design or luck, it also allowed him to set up a delicious comparison.
On the same day, a trial began in New York where the man Biden previously defeated and is most likely to run against this time, Donald Trump, is accused of sexual assault.
Catch up on the full analysis by the ABC's Carrington Clarke.
Bernie Sanders endorses Biden, rules out presidential bid
By Bridget Judd
In the last hour or so, Bernie Sanders has confirmed he'll forgo another presidential bid of his own and instead endorse President Joe Biden’s re-election.
The leading progressive, who was Biden’s chief rival in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, told The Associated Press that he would “do everything I can to see the president is re-elected"
Sanders: The last thing this country needs is a Donald Trump or some other right-wing demagogue who is going to try to undermine American democracy or take away a woman’s right to choose, or not address the crisis of gun violence, or racism, sexism or homophobia.
So, I’m in to do what I can to make sure that the president is re-elected.
