Biden to Al Roker: ‘I plan on running’ for reelection

President Joe Biden on Monday said he plans to run again in 2024 but that he’s not ready to make it official, as questions continue to swirl about the timing of his reelection campaign.

“I plan on running,” Biden told “Today” co-host Al Roker during a quick chat at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. “But we’re not prepared to announce it yet.”

It isn’t the first time the president has made clear his intentions, but his answer is further affirmation as Biden slips past his closest advisers' previously outlined launch dates in February and, now, April. It’s also on par for Biden, who has been known for dragging his feet on decisions around seeking the presidency.

In November, Biden told reporters his intention “is to run again,” making clear it was his plan regardless of the midterm election results. Then in February, first lady Jill Biden told The Associated Press there’s “pretty much” nothing left to do but make the announcement.

“How many times does he have to say it for you to believe it?” the first lady said.

Even with Biden’s repeated reassurances, the 80-year-old president’s hesitancy to give the all-clear has left the Democratic Party in a state of limbo, as other potential presidential aspirants and major donors quietly develop a Plan B while publicly supporting Biden.

But just as Biden has done, his inner circle continues to insist privately that he will run, with top advisers Anita Dunn, Jen O’Malley Dillon and Mike Donilon effectively overseeing the campaign-in-waiting. As POLITICO reported in late February, Biden’s advisers have also taken steps to staff a campaign and align with a top super PAC, Future Forward.

With Democrats’ better-than-expected midterms performance and no real primary challenge threat, there’s little urgency to announce. Waiting to give the official signoff also allows Biden to avoid having to report fundraising totals and other paperwork that comes along with a formal announcement.

On the Democratic side, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental lawyer, anti-vaccine activist and son of Robert F. Kennedy, filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission last week to run. Self-help author Marianne Williamson formally kicked off her campaign in March.

Republicans are also lining up. Nikki Haley, former South Carolina governor and ambassador to the United Nations, launched her campaign in February, while Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are both widely expected to launch respective 2024 bids. But former President Donald Trump, who announced his run for the White House in November, is still seen as the leading GOP challenger, using his recent indictment to raise money.

With news surrounding Trump's arraignment last week, the White House stuck to the no-comment script, leaning into the opportunity to contrast Biden’s “focus” on the American people with the noise around his predecessor.