US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that he still “intends” to run for re-election in 2024 but has yet to make a “final” decision during an interview with state broadcaster PBS.

“I am someone who believes in fate. I would be completely honest with the American people if I thought that health problems or anything else would prevent me from fulfilling my duties, ”said the Democratic president.

The 80-year-old leader once again urged those who express doubts or concerns about his age to “see” his deeds.

In his State of the Union address on Wednesday, Biden called for unity, asking Republicans to help him “finish the job” of rebuilding the economy and restoring the dignity of American democracy.

In his second State of the Union address, the US President called for immediate action on police reform, gun control laws and the climate crisis.

Speaking to the full congressional staff, Biden insisted that the country was stronger and more stable than when he took office two years ago. The President said his policy initiatives have enabled the US to emerge from the pandemic health crisis, boosted employment, and protected democracy from domestic and foreign machinations.

However, to ensure further progress, Biden stressed, the support of the Republican majority in the House of Representatives is needed. However, the opposition has been open about its intention to block Biden’s legislative agenda and ensure the Democrats’ defeat in the 2024 presidential election.

“To my Republican friends, I want to say that if we worked together in the last legislative session, then there is no reason why we cannot work together again in this one,” Biden said in his 72-minute speech, which he opened with a congratulatory . Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. “I don’t want to ruin your reputation, but I’d like to work together,” the president said playfully, drawing laughter from the audience.

Biden touted his legislative initiatives over the past two years, in which Democrats have retained control of both houses of the legislature, highlighting the passage of health care reform and the climate package, as well as a major transportation infrastructure upgrade program and large investments. in the semiconductor sector. “The work is back. Pride is here again thanks to our choices over the past two years,” Biden said.

The 80-year-old president’s combative appearance from the floor of Congress received praise from his fellow Democrats. Democratic lawmakers stood up and gave the president a round of applause as he accused his predecessor, Donald Trump, of refusing to admit defeat.

“What night!” Biden tweeted after the speech ended and in another message shared a video calling on Congress to help him “finish his job” to reunite American society and strengthen the economy.

However, at the same time, Biden criticized the economic policies of his opponents and their attempt to nullify important initiatives of his presidency. “Do not laugh: if you try to raise the price of medicines, I will veto,” the president said.

Using populist language, the president asked Congress to “reward work, not wealth” by passing the Billionaire Tax Act.

police brutality

Among those invited by the White House to address the nation were the parents of Tyree Nichols, 29, who died after being beaten by police in Memphis, Tennessee. Any attempt by Democrats to curb police brutality is met with resistance from Republicans in Congress. In his speech, Biden expressed admiration for the dignity of Tyree’s mother, Rawwon Wells, who expressed confidence after the incident that “something good will come out of this story.” Biden, 80, despite being elected to the Senate in the 1980s thanks to the support of southern politicians, has repeatedly said that as a white man he enjoys greater privileges than his African-American fellow citizens. “Imagine that you have to worry about whether your son or daughter will return home safely after a walk in the park. “I never had to explain to my kids — Beau, Hunter and Ashley — what so many black and Hispanic families have to teach their kids: how to be careful not to be targeted by the police,” Biden said.