Joe Biden Officially Jumps Into The 2020 Presidential Race

Former Vice President Joe Biden 

Former Vice President Joe Biden officially jumped into the 2020 presidential race this morning.

In an announcement video, Biden focused primarily on the hideous white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia where a woman lost her life, and Donald Trump declared that there were “fine people” on both sides.

“With those words, the President of the United States assigned a moral equivalence between those spreading hate and those with the courage to stand against it," said Biden. "And in that moment, I knew the threat to this nation was unlike any I had ever seen in my lifetime.”

The video was accompanied with this message: "It's time for respected leadership on the world stage—and dignified leadership at home. It's time for equal opportunity, equal rights, and equal justice. It's time for an economy that rewards those who actually do the work. It's time for a president who will stand up for all of us."

Even though he’s just now officially entered the race, his entry has been anticipated and he’s instantly the frontrunner.

It is VERY early, but RealClearPolitics’ average of recent polls shows him leading the Democratic contenders by an average of 6.3 points.

And an average of hypothetical matchups against Donald Trump indicate that (today) he would thump Trump by 7.8 points.

By comparison, an average of hypotheticals pitting Sen. Bernie Sanders against Trump shows Sanders coming out on top by only 2.7 points.

I'm totally good with Joe Biden as our next president. Experience, dignity and respect for others. Eight years as Vice President and 36 years in the U.S. Senate.

Oh, and sanity. Let's not forget that.

He came out for marriage equality before Barack Obama did. And he's been an outspoken advocate for transgender soldiers serving in the U.S. military.

Folks will point to earlier positions in the 80s or 90s, but people do evolve as society evolves.

Donald Trump used to speak in coherent sentences, and look at what he's 'evolved' into.

People will say Joe is an "old white guy." Age doesn't bother me as long as folks are healthy.

I would enthusiastically vote for Biden. That said, I'll also be happy to vote for Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Kamala Harris, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Bernie Sanders or former Rep. Beto O’Rourke if they clinch the Democratic nomination.

Biden quickly racked up three endorsements from Sens. Chris Coons (D-Delaware), Bob Casey (D-Penn) and Doug Jones (D-Alabama).

I am proud to endorse my friend, Joe Biden, for President https://t.co/ZWTlwJaQ59

— Bob Casey Jr. (@Bob_Casey) April 25, 2019

The quality that makes Joe stand out is his ability to bring people together to find common ground while standing up for what he believes is right. We need to listen to each other & get things done for working people. Joe can, and will, do that. That’s why I support Joe Biden. https://t.co/vxnLQu0XDZ

— Doug Jones (@DougJones) April 25, 2019

Biden will attend a fundraiser in Philadelphia later today, and he's scheduled for an appearance on ABC’s The View for his first post-announcement television interview on Friday.

On Monday, he will hold his first official event in Pittsburgh, followed by a swing through early voting states Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina.

Predictably, Donald Trump mocked the announcement via Twitter:

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!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 25, 2019