Joe Biden announces bid to become US president in 2020

Yekiti Media

Former US vice president Joe Biden has announced his candidacy for the 2020 presidential election.

Launching his campaign for the Democratic nomination, the 76-year-old declared in a campaign video posted on Twitter: “We are in the battle for the soul of this nation.

“If we give Donald Trump eight years in the White House, he will forever and fundamentally alter the character of this nation.

“I cannot stand by and watch that happen.”

At least 20 Democrats are jockeying for the chance to take on President Donald Trump next year.

The field features candidates ranging from 37 to 77-years-old; liberals and moderates; senators, governors and mayors; and an unprecedented number of women and ethnic minorities.

Mr Biden has unmatched international and legislative experience, and is among the best-known faces in US politics.

But it is unclear if he will be embraced by today’s increasingly liberal Democratic Party.

The former Delaware senator for 36 years faced claims recently he touched women in an overly familiar manner without their consent.

He has pledged to be “much more mindful” of respecting personal space.

SKY