WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 (UPI) — Vice President Joe Biden announced Wednesday he will not seek a bid for the 2016 Republican nomination for president, putting to end months of speculation he would oppose front-runner Hillary Clinton in the polls.
Biden, 72, said he took time to consider a run after the death of his son Beau, 46, this summer. He said his son’s death took an emotional toll on him and his family.
While he was given time to make up his mind, the pressure has been mounting in the past months. Biden, flanked by President Barack Obama, announced his decision in the Rose Garden.
“I’ve said time and again to others that that process, by the time we get thru this, closes the window on mounting a realistic campaign for president. I’ve concluded it has closed.”
