Joe Biden turns to Twitter, Facebook to announce 2020 presidential run

He's in.

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Shelby Brown (she/her/hers) is an editor for CNET's services team. She covers tips and tricks for apps, operating systems and devices, as well as mobile gaming and Apple Arcade news. Shelby also oversees Tech Tips coverage. Before joining CNET, she covered app news for Download.com and served as a freelancer for Louisville.com.

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She received the Renau Writing Scholarship in 2016 from the University of Louisville's communication department.

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Shelby Brown

April 25, 2019 10:28 a.m. PT

Former Vice President Joe Biden is officially a 2020 White House hopeful. Biden announced his bid for the presidency in a video on Twitter and Facebook early Thursday morning.

Following Biden's announcement, #Joe2020 and #Biden2020 were trending on Twitter.

Biden said America gives hope to people in need and guarantees that people are treated with dignity.

"That's what we believe and above all else, that's what's at stake in this election," Biden said in his announcement video.

The core values of this nation… our standing in the world… our very democracy...everything that has made America -- America --is at stake. That’s why today I’m announcing my candidacy for President of the United States. #Joe2020 https://t.co/jzaQbyTEz3
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) April 25, 2019

Although Biden's video was serious, he hasn't ditched his lighter side. Biden put a fun spin on a 404-error page this morning. The page shows Biden wearing sunglasses and eating ice cream with a spoon. It reads, "Looks like that page isn't here. Keep cool -- I'll get us back on the rails." He does have a known affinity for Amtrak.

Biden's 404 page game is strong pic.twitter.com/IUrLv9g9re
— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) April 25, 2019

President Donald Trump acknowledged Biden's entry into the "nasty" 2020 presidential race -- with a tweet.

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

Since taking office, Trump has continued his prolific use of Twitter. Earlier this week, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey had a closed-door meeting with the president about the "health of the public conversation ahead of the 2020 US elections."

Originally published April 25 at 5:48 a.m. PT.
Updates, 6:22 a.m., 10:28 a.m.: Added more details.