Biden re-election campaign to put emphasis on fight for democracy | First Thing

Biden-Harris camp announces campaign plan that aims to draw sharp contrast between US president and Donald Trump. Plus, how to get seriously fit from scratch - in 12 easy, enjoyable steps

• Don't already get First Thing in your inbox? Sign up here

Good morning.

Ailing in opinion polls, Joe Biden will aim to jump-start his re-election campaign in the coming week with events designed to symbolise the fight for democracy and racial justice against Donald Trump.

What else is happening in US politics? Donald Trump formally appealed against a decision by Maine's top election official to remove him from the ballot on Tuesday, asking a superior court to reverse the decision.

What happened when she was questioned about antisemitism? On 5 December, Gay, along with the presidents of MIT and the University of Pennsylvania testified before Congress about their campuses' handling of accusations of antisemitism after the beginning of the Israel-Gaza war. All three presidents offered legalistic answers.

What happened then? After their testimonies, more than 70 US lawmakers signed a letter in response demanding the presidents be removed. The campaign against Gay's presidency was largely promoted by conservative activists, including those who oppose diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. They argued that Gay was hired not because of her decades of academic work and recognition, but because she is Black.