A reporter asked President Joe Biden on Tuesday if he would be traveling to California to look for a “Plan B” candidate for the 2024 presidential election.

Democrats and independent voters have overwhelmingly expressed concerns about Biden running for a second term because of his age and work record, and are favoring Gavin Newsom, the Democratic governor of California, to replace him. The idea of ​​hiring him has been floated.

“So you're going to California. Does this mean you're developing a Plan B for 2024? Does Gavin need to wait?” the reporter asked.

“Are you ready?” Biden asked.

“Yes, sir,” the reporter answered.

“Well, I'm looking for you, I'm looking for you,” the president said.

Newsom has repeatedly praised Biden and expressed support for the president's re-election bid. (Related: 'Are you kidding me?': Gavin Newsom pushes back after ABC host Jonathan Karl questioned Biden's age)

Newsom told an interviewer in September that he would not choose his running mate to replace Vice President Kamala Harris, who has a worse reputation for former President Donald Trump than for Biden. September 2022 Report published The Wrap cited “two people with knowledge of Newsom's plans” who told the outlet that Newsom would run for president if Biden chooses not to seek a second term.

On Tuesday, instead of answering questions about Newsom, Biden told reporters to be quiet and informed them that the United States would announce new sanctions against Russia on Friday. Biden previously said he was considering additional sanctions following the death of imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, 47.