Already have an account?
Get back to the

Joe Biden Won’t Run for President, But Will Be Vocal in 2016 Election

Joe Biden and Barack Obama
Vice President Joe Biden announced Wednesday, Oct. 21, that he will not be running for president in 2016.

No presidential campaign on the horizon. Vice President Joe Biden announced Wednesday, Oct. 21, that he will not be taking part in the 2016 presidential election, putting to rest months of speculation about his possible candidacy for the Democratic ticket.

The vice president spoke to the press from the White House Rose Garden with President Barack Obama and his wife, Jill, at his side, explaining that he and his family have determined that they do not have the “emotional energy” or bandwidth to take part in a demanding campaign.

Related: PHOTOS: President Obama's A-list pals

“Through personal triumphs and tragedies, my sons Beau and Hunter, my daughters Ashley and Naomi, and my wife Jill and I — and this will sound corny — but we found purpose in public life,” he said. “So we intend, the whole family, for the next 15 months to fight for what we care about, what we’ve always cared about.”

joe biden with obama and jill

Biden’s oldest son, Beau, passed away from brain cancer at the age of 46 this past May, a tragic loss that left Biden, 72, and his entire family devastated.

On Wednesday, the vice president called his late son an “inspiration.”  

Related: PHOTOS: Celebrity activists

Earlier this year, however, the former Delaware senator hinted at his decision to sidestep the presidential race.

“I don’t think any man or woman should run for president unless, number one, they know exactly why they would want to be president; and two, they can look at folks out there and say, ‘I promise you have my whole heart, my whole soul, my energy, and my passion,'” he told Stephen Colbert in September. 

joe biden hugging beau

Biden’s decision not to run also had to do with timing, he explained. 

“I believe we’re out of time,” he said. “The time necessary… for winning an election.” 

Related: PHOTOS: Celebs and their political affiliations

This makes the current Democratic race a battle between presumed front-runner Hillary Clinton and, surprise, a surging Bernie Sanders.

“I am absolutely certain that we are capable of accomplishing extraordinary things,” Biden closed his remarks. “And when we do, we won’t just win the future, we’ll own the finish line. We can do so much more.”

Got a Tip form close button
Got a tip for US?
We're All Ears for Celebrity Buzz!