Former US Vice President Joe Biden launches 2020 White House bid

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Former Vice President Joe Biden launches 2020 White House bidFormer Vice President Joe Biden launches 2020 White House bid

In an online video, former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden made it official: He’s running for the White House.

“If we give Donald Trump eight years in the White House, he’ll forever and fundamentally alter the character of this nation, who we are. And I cannot stand and watch that happen,” said Biden in his campaign video.

CGTN’s Jim Spellman reports.

Biden has near-universal name recognition and high approval ratings, making him an immediate front-runner in a crowded Democratic field. He is seen as a moderate centrist and faces competition from candidates on the left like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Plus other moderate newcomers like Beto O’Rourke and a surging Pete Buttigieg.

Some democratic activists worry a 76-year-old white male may be out of step with a party that values diversity. They fear Biden will crowd out candidates like Corey Booker and Kamala Harris.

Former President Barack Obama is not expected to endorse a candidate any time soon, but Biden hopes his time as a loyal vice president to the first African American president will help him win over minorities and progressives.

Trump reacted to Biden’s announcement by tweeting:

“Welcome to the race Sleepy Joe. I only hope you have the intelligence, long in doubt, to wage a successful primary campaign. It will be nasty – you will be dealing with people who truly have some very sick & demented ideas. But if you make it, I will see you at the Starting Gate! ”

Biden hopes his longtime connection with working-class voters will help him win key swing U.S. states like Pennsylvania and Michigan where Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton in 2016 and that Trump likely needs to carry again to hold the White House for another four years.