Biden Says Optimism in Ireland Inspires Him to Run Again in 2024

In this handout image provided by the Irish Government, U.S. President Joe Biden speaks to the crowd during a celebration event at St. Muredach's Cathedral in Ballina, Ireland on April 14, 2023. Julien Behal/Irish Government via Getty Images

President Joe Biden said on Friday that he plans to run for president again in 2024 and will make an official announcement soon.

“I’ve already made that calculus. We’ll announce it relatively soon,” Biden told reporters on the last day of his trip to Ireland.

“But the trip here just reinforced my sense of optimism about what can be done,” he added.

When asked if he had made up his mind, Biden replied, “I told you: My plan is to run again.”

Since late December 2022, speculation has mounted about Biden’s 2024 plans. The president has already hinted multiple times that he may seek reelection.

Most recently, Biden and his cabinet members embarked on what the White House refers to as the “Investing in America” tour to highlight his legislative and economic accomplishments, leading many to believe that he is sharpening his political message.

Biden, at age 80, is the oldest president in American history. If he is re-elected in 2024, he will finish his second term at the age of 86.

U.S. President Joe Biden addresses the Irish parliament at Leinster House in Dublin, Ireland, on April 13, 2023. Kenny Holston/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

On Thursday, Biden gave a speech to the Irish parliament in which he mentioned his age while also making the case for a second run.

“I’m at the end of my career, not the beginning,” Biden said. “The only thing I bring to this career after my age—as you can see how old I am—is a little bit of wisdom.”

“I come to the job with more experience than any president in American history,” he continued. “It doesn’t make me better or worse, but it gives me few excuses.”

Irish Roots

During his trip to Ireland, Biden also spent time tracing his family history. He met with relatives, visited places of significance to his ancestors, and spoke passionately about his Irish heritage.

Biden shared numerous family stories, cracked jokes, and experienced emotional moments during the trip.

On the final day of his Ireland tour, Biden reportedly broke down in tears after encountering a priest who performed the last rites for his son Beau, who died of cancer in 2015.

President Joe Biden speaks to the crowd during a celebration event at St. Muredach's Cathedral in Ballina, Ireland, on April 14, 2023. Leon Neal/Getty Images

“It feels like coming home. It really does,” Biden told a large crowd on Friday evening in front of St. Muredach’s Cathedral in the historic town of Ballina, where he was met with a rockstar welcome.

Biden told the story of the cathedral, which has special meaning for his family.

Edward Blewitt, Biden’s great-great-great grandfather, sold 27,000 bricks to St. Muredach’s Cathedral in 1828 that were used in the construction of the cathedral. The sale helped Edward and his family to afford tickets to sail to America and start a new life in 1851.

President Joe Biden speaks to the crowd during a celebration event at St. Muredach's Cathedral in Ballina, Ireland on April 14, 2023. Leon Neal/Getty Images

“In 1828, he was paid 21 pounds and 12 shillings to help supply the bricks for this cathedral— 27,000 of them. I was able to hold one of them in my hand today. … They’re heavy,” Biden told the crowd.

“But I doubt he ever imagined that his great-great-great-grandson would return 200 years later as president of the United States of America. Isn’t that amazing?”