Biden Praises 'Strong Night' for Dems, Discusses 2024 Plans

He says he'll announce decision on seeking a second term early next year
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Nov 9, 2022 4:06 PM CST
Biden Praises 'Strong Night' for Dems, Discusses 2024 Plans
President Biden speaks in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

"While the press and the pundits were predicting a giant red wave, it didn’t happen," Biden said Wednesday at the White House in his first public remarks since voting in the midterm elections ended. He said Democrats had a "strong night." He acknowledged that many Americans remain discouraged by the country's direction—"the voters were also clear that they’re still frustrated, I get it"—and said he was willing to compromise with Republicans as he faces the likelihood of divided government in Washington, the AP reports. But he pledged to stay the course on his agenda, predicting the results will vindicate his choices.

Biden questioned whether Americans really want the major changes some Republicans are calling for—such as debate and votes on whether to continue Social Security or Medicare. "I’m not going to change anything in any fundamental way," he said. Biden said there is still a chance Democrats could keep control of the House. "It's a moving target right now but it's going to be very close," he said, per the Guardian. Asked whether the results had affected his decision on a 2024 race, he said he plans to run for president again, but added that it was a "family decision." He said he will talk it over with his wife, Jill, during the holidays and announce his final decision early next year, the New York Times reports. "I don’t feel any hurry one way or another," Biden said.

(More President Biden stories.)

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