Why Joe Biden will shape the Democrat race for 2020

DECEMBER is proving a tumultuous month for US President Donald Trump, not least with US stock market volatility and the latest government shutdown adding to political uncertainty in Washington. With attention turning to the New Year, focus is growing on the emerging Democratic presidential nomination battle which could see the largest field of candidates for the party in a generation.

In the near term, the single biggest decision that will shape the race could come as soon as January with former vice-president Joe Biden announcing whether he will campaign for a third White House bid after running in 1988 and 2008. He has promised a decision in the first few weeks of the year after visiting more than 30 states in 2018.

While Mr Biden could yet surprise many in Washington by not putting his hat in the ring, he is the early favourite. This is despite being 76 years of age in what could, ultimately, become the first ever clash of septuagenarian Democrat and Republican candidates in US history if Mr Trump, 72, seeks re-election too.