Joe Biden hinted at the possibility of running for re-election when he honored Bruce Springsteen and other art and entertainment industry figures at the White House this week.
The US President spoke at the ceremony of awarding the National Medal of Arts on Tuesday (March 21), among the winners of which were writer Colson Whitehead, singer Gladys Knight, actress Mindy Kaling and designer Vera Wang.
Introducing Whitehead, who has won several Pulitzer Prizes, the president said, “How the hell did you do that? A pretty good man,” before saying that he “kind of looks for back-to-back himself.”
Biden has not officially announced his bid for re-election in 2024, but is expected to do so in the coming weeks.
Medals at this week’s ceremony were awarded to people who have deepened “the understanding of the humanities in the country and expanded the participation of our citizens in history, literature, philosophy and many other subjects.”
“First of all, you are masters of your craft,” Biden said (via ABC News).
Springsteen received a medal for “outstanding contribution to the American songbook.” Biden joked that “some people are born to run” when honoring the American rock icon, referring to The Boss’ 1975 song “Born To Run” from his third studio album of the same name.
“Bruce Springsteen, troubadour poet, chronicler of American life, resilience, hope and dreams, winner of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, as well as 20 Grammy, Oscar, Tony awards and the unwavering love of millions of fans from different generations.” Biden said.
Last month, Springsteen and the E Street Band embarked on their first tour in six years. They continue to work in the US until mid-April before moving on to Europe.
In total, they will play four concerts in the UK, in Edinburgh, Birmingham and two concerts in London as part of the Hyde Park BST series.
