“Unfortunately, I believe we’re out of time,” Biden said, flanked by President Barack Obama in the Rose Garden.
Encouraged by Democrats seeking an alternative to Clinton, Biden had spent the past several months deeply engaged in discussions with his family and political advisers about entering the primary.
Yet as the deliberations dragged on, Democrats began publicly questioning whether it was too late for him to run, a notion that hardened after Clinton’s strong performance in last week’s Democratic debate.
In the end, Biden decided the timing was too late. He also was still grieving over the death of his son, former Delaware Attorney Beau Biden, who died of brain cancer in May.
I believe that he made the right decision for himself, his family, his party and his country, and it will only strengthen his legacy as a lifelong public servant as well as one of the best vice presidents in our nation's history.Of course, as numerous recent polls have indicated, this decision will also help to unify the party behind Hillary Clinton and make her road to the nomination that much easier.
Thank you, Joe. You'll always be a BFD in my book!
.@VP is a good friend and a great man. Today and always, inspired by his optimism and commitment to change the world for the better. -H
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 21, 2015Originally posted at Hillary HQFollow @Hillary_HQ