Bernie Sanders will ‘scrutinize’ 2024 if Biden doesn’t run, adviser says

Sen. Bernie Sanders would likely “closely review” a 2024 White House bid if President Biden decides not to seek re-election, a top aide to the 81-year-old Socialist has said.

“I assume he would take a good look at it,” Sanders adviser Faiz Shakir told CBS News Thursday.

“I don’t want to pass judgment on him. Obviously it would be his decision to make. But I assume he wants to reevaluate it,” Shakir said of Sanders.

The independent Vermont senator has campaigned for the Democratic nomination for president in 2016 and 2020. Shakir served as Sanders’ campaign manager during his last failed run for the White House.

The longtime Sanders adviser noted the senator is “very aware that he’s older now” but is confident he’ll consider a third presidential nomination.

“To do this a third time would require a proper assessment of his own strength, stamina, desire, hunger and passion,” Shakir said. “But if it were an open field? Yes, I’m confident he would watch it again.”

Biden, who turned 80 last month, has yet to officially announce he is running for re-election but has said he plans to run again in 2024 and is likely to make an announcement in the new year.

“Personally, I take President Biden at his word and our orbit takes him at his word that he takes it seriously and assumes he’s inclined to yes,” Shakir told CBS News, adding that he had taken no steps to prepare for one Scenario in which Biden does not run for re-election.

Former President Donald Trump, 76, is the only declared presidential candidate for 2024. He announced the launch of his 2024 campaign last month during a speech at his Mar-a-Lago estate.