Biden announces he will not run for president in 2016
Key Points(5)
- Vice President of the United States Joe Biden announced Wednesday he will not run for president, ending months of speculation over his 2016 plans.
- Speaking in the Rose Garden alongside his wife Jill and President Obama, Biden said the window of opportunity to mount a viable campaign "has closed." Biden also spoke movingly about mourning the recent death of his son, Beau, a process he said does not match the political calendar.
- Biden's decision puts to rest the uncertainty hanging over the Democratic primary.
- The race now will likely settle into a two-person contest between Clinton and Vermont Sen.
- Bernie Sanders, who has energized the party's liberal base but lacks Clinton's campaign infrastructure and support from party leaders.
Vice President of the United States Joe Biden announced Wednesday he will not run for president, ending months of speculation over his 2016 plans.
Speaking in the Rose Garden alongside his wife Jill and President Obama, Biden said the window of opportunity to mount a viable campaign "has closed." Biden also spoke movingly about mourning the recent death of his son, Beau, a process he said does not match the political calendar.
Biden's decision puts to rest the uncertainty hanging over the Democratic primary. The race now will likely settle into a two-person contest between Clinton and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has energized the party's liberal base but lacks Clinton's campaign infrastructure and support from party leaders.
