Former Vice President Joe Biden is gearing up for the upcoming general election campaign as the presumptive Democratic nominee. While Biden faced minimal opposition within his own party, he now must confront several challenges as he seeks to defeat President Donald Trump for a second time.

With prominent figures such as California Governor Gavin Newsom and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer opting not to challenge a sitting president, Biden emerged as the Democratic Party's best chance at unseating Trump. However, some party activists express doubts about Biden's candidacy, claiming that he has changed significantly over the years and may not be the optimal choice for the office.

One glaring vulnerability for Biden is his age, with polling indicating that it remains a concern for voters. However, his recent State of the Union speech provided an opportunity for him to show reassurance and address these concerns. Biden delivered a 68-minute speech with remarkable energy, going off script and engaging with Republicans who voiced their dissent. This performance may have quelled some voter misgivings about his fitness for the presidency.

Biden's main challenge going forward is to energize Democratic and independent voters who may not credit him for the strong economy and bipartisan legislation during his time in Congress. Furthermore, the fallout from the Israel-Hamas conflict has caused division within his party, as some Democrats in battleground states like Michigan consider leaving the top of the ballot blank due to disagreements with Biden's staunch support for Israel.

Biden's approval ratings have also been sluggish despite his attempts to tout his own record. Democratic allies are urging him to aggressively attack Trump, branding the former president as a threat to the country's democratic society. However, critics argue that Biden, at 77 years old, may not be an inspiring fresh-faced alternative for voters concerned about his age.

In his State of the Union speech, Biden previewed forthcoming attacks on his predecessor, indicating his intention to go after Trump relentlessly. Democratic figures, such as former Senator Claire McCaskill, emphasize the importance of Biden's constant and aggressive approach towards Trump.

For Biden, this victory in the Democratic primary represents a personal triumph after numerous failed attempts at the presidency. Having lost more races than he has won in the past, Biden's perseverance has finally paid off. Despite facing setbacks and personal tragedy, Biden has remained committed to public service and politics, highlighting his belief that it is worth the effort.

As the general election campaign gets underway, all eyes will be on Biden as he seeks to rally support, counter Trump's attacks, and convince voters that he is the best choice to lead the country. The November election will ultimately determine whether the Democratic Party's gamble on Biden pays off and if he can secure another victory against a president whom historians have ranked as one of the worst in history.