US President Joe Biden has formally announced his decision to vie for a second term in office.
He made this known in a pre-recorded video message released on Tuesday.
His announcement came on the fourth anniversary of the start of his first successful presidential bid.
If he clinches the Democratic Party ticket, Biden could potentially face his predecessor and Republican Party frontrunner, Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
At 80, Biden is already the oldest US president in history. He would be 86 at the end of a second term.
“Personal freedom is fundamental to who we are as Americans. There’s nothing more important. Nothing more sacred,” Biden said in the video message.
“That’s been the work of my first term: To fight for our democracy.
“This shouldn’t be a red or blue issue. To protect our rights. To make sure that everyone in this country is treated equally. And that everyone is given a fair shot at making it.
“But around the country, MAGA extremists are lining up to take those bedrock freedoms away. Cutting social security that you’ve paid for your entire life while cutting taxes for the very wealthy.
“Dictating what health care decisions women can make, banning books, and telling people who they can love. All while making it more difficult for you to be able to vote.
“When I ran for president four years ago, I said we are in a battle for the soul of America. And we still are.
“The question we are facing is whether in the years ahead we have more freedom or less freedom. More rights or fewer.
“I know what I want the answer to be and I think you do too. This is not a time to be complacent. “That’s why I’m running for re-election.”
A poll released on Friday by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research showed that 26 percent of Americans overall – including 47 percent of Democrats – want to see Biden seek a second term.