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Biden's VP Search Puts Spotlight on How Long He'll Serve

Associated Press

   Joe Biden has longed to win the White House for more than three
   decades. If he finally makes it there after November's election, he's
   already talking about leaving.

   In an effort to ease concerns about his age, the 77-year-old
   presumptive Democratic nominee has said he wouldn't seek reelection if
   his mental or physical health declined. He has also referred to himself
   as a "transition candidate," acting as a bridge to a younger generation
   of leadership.

   Biden is rarely known for sticking to a script, and the comments are
   evidence of his candid style. But they're also contributing to intense
   speculation about who is best positioned to lead the party after him.

   "We do have a longer bench as Democrats, a younger bench in terms of
   elected leadership all across the country," said Democratic strategist
   L. Joy Williams, chairwoman of Higher Heights PAC, which is dedicated
   to electing more women to national and statewide offices.

   Biden has not ruled out running for a second term, in part because such
   an explicit pledge would immediately render him a lame duck in
   Washington, where political capital will be needed to manage the
   coronavirus recovery.

   But the question of his long-term prospects looms over his candidacy,
   especially as he considers his options for vice president.

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