Biden Aide Sends Letter Hinting At Presidential Bid

Speculation around whether Joe Biden will seek the 2016 Democratic nomination has been circulating for months, but one of the vice president’s long-time advisers said America can expect a decision soon.

Former Delaware Sen. Ted Kaufman, Biden’s close friend and confidant, sent an email to former staffers laying out a plan, saying he would quickly need their help for a successful campaign.

While many have dismissed the possibility of a presidential bid, claiming it’s too late for him to catch up financially and gain support after the first debate, Kaufman said not to rule him out just yet.

“If he runs, he will run because of his burning conviction that we need to fundamentally change the balance in our economy and the political structure to restore the ability of the middle class to get ahead,” he wrote in the letter obtained by the Associated Press.

The letter did not provide specific policy details, but said it would be “A campaign from the heart. A campaign consistent with his values, our values, and the values of the American people.”

Biden has been weighing his options since his son, former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden, died of brain cancer in May at 46.

Prominent Democratic donors disenchanted with the other options have been urging the veep to throw his hat in the ring. Even long-time Hillary Clinton supporter, New York Sen. Kristen Gillibrand, said if she had to bet, she would put money on Biden stepping into the race.

“He believes we must win this election,” Kaufman wrote. “Everything he and the president have worked for — and care about — is at stake.”

To get on the primary ballots in all 50 states, the vice president would have to announce his candidacy by Nov. 6, ABC News reports.

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