Vice President Joe Biden Announces He Will Not Run For President In 2016

Vice President Joe Biden made his breathlessly awaited announcement today regarding whether he would or would not seek the Democratic nomination for president.

And the answer? No.

Via Politico:

"I've said all along what I've said time and again to others: that it may very well be that that process, by the time we get through it, closes the window on mounting a realistic campaign for president: that it might close," Biden said. "I’ve concluded that it has closed."

"Beau is our inspiration," he added. "Unfortunately, I believe we're out of time. The time necessary to mount a winning campaign for the nomination. But while I will not be a candidate, I will not be silent. I intend to speak out clearly and forcefully."

While Biden declined another run, he showed no interest in going quietly: his address at times sounded like a draft stump speech, hitting on a number of themes he would likely have used in a campaign. The vice president pledged that he would play a role in the 2016 race, suggesting that he would use his remaining time in office to sway the national discussion as front-runner Hillary Clinton battles Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders for his party's nomination.

Democrats should embrace Obama's legacy, he insisted.

Still, trailing Clinton and Sanders, Biden opted not to fight what would have been an uphill battle, making Clinton's path to the nomination clearer. His presence in the race likely would have drained some of Clinton's support given his own close ties to the Democratic establishment.

Speculation about Biden's intentions had ratcheted up in recent days, as he repeatedly expressed some implied displeasure with Clinton over her statement at last week's Democratic debate that Republicans were her enemies.

"I believe we have to end the divisive partisan politics that is ripping this country apart … It’s mean-spirited, it’s petty and it’s gone on for far too long," he said on Wednesday, feet away from the president. “I don’t think we should look at Republicans as our opposition. They’re not our enemies."

During his speech he mentioned his passion for fighting for the middle class, and name-checked his support for the LGBT community. He also mentioned that he will devote time left in office to finding a cure for cancer.

Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton issued a statement saying, "As he said today, there is more work to do. And if I know Joe, he will always be on the front-lines, always fighting for all of us."

.@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, 2015

Also running for the Democratic nod, this from Sen. Bernie Sanders: "Joe Biden, a good friend, has made the decision that he feels is best for himself, his family and the country."

I thank @VP for his continued service to the nation and his support of the middle class.

— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) October 21, 2015

I'll add that I believe this was the right call, both personally for Biden and for the country.

After a long, distinguished career in Washington, D.C., most polls showed him trailing Clinton for the nomination. I would hate for him to leave public service on a loss.

Plus, his hesitation - very understandable - was looking less than robust as a candidate.

That being said, I think he would have made an excellent candidate and president.