After nine months of doing this, there is no exploratory committee - I'm running

After nine months of doing this, there is no exploratory committee - I'm running

After nine months of speculation and anticipation, former Vice President Joe Biden finally made the announcement that many had been waiting for: he is officially running for President of the United States in the 2020 election. In a crowded field of Democratic candidates, Biden's entry into the race has been met with both excitement and skepticism.

Biden's decision to forgo the traditional exploratory committee phase and jump straight into the race speaks to his confidence and sense of urgency. With the primary season already well underway and other candidates gaining momentum, Biden knew that he could not afford to wait any longer. His experience as Vice President under Barack Obama and his long history in politics have given him a strong foundation to build his campaign on, but he also faces challenges in a rapidly changing political landscape.

One of the biggest criticisms of Biden's candidacy is his age. At 76 years old, he would be the oldest president ever elected if he were to win the race. Some voters are concerned about his ability to connect with younger generations and adapt to the changing priorities of the Democratic party. However, Biden has already shown that he is willing to engage with younger voters and address their concerns, such as climate change and student debt.

Another challenge for Biden is his record on issues such as criminal justice reform and women's rights. His past support for tough-on-crime policies and his handling of the Anita Hill hearings during the Clarence Thomas confirmation process have come under scrutiny in the #MeToo era. Biden will need to address these concerns head-on and demonstrate that he has evolved on these issues.

Despite these challenges, Biden's entry into the race has shaken up the Democratic primary field. With his name recognition, experience, and moderate stance on many issues, he is seen as a frontrunner in the race. However, he will face stiff competition from other candidates who are also vying for the nomination. Only time will tell if Biden's decision to skip the exploratory committee phase and jump straight into the race will pay off.