Joe Biden moving towards presidential run in 2020, say reports
Just one year into President Donald Trump’s first term, former Vice President Joe Biden is moving toward a 2020 presidential run, according to reports.
Mr Biden, who chose not to run in 2016 after his son, Beau, died of brain cancer, has reportedly been telling people privately that he thinks he is the only Democrat who can defeat Mr Trump in 2020, according to Politico. He knows what that challenge entails, but has said that he views himself as an experienced statesman with the ability to mend major fissures across the country, and in the Democratic party.
“He’s a great respecter of fate,” one source close to Mr Biden said. “At some point, it may turn into fate and planning.”
Since he and President Barack Obama left their offices earlier this year, Mr Biden has remained in politics, giving speeches at venues around the country that are highly critical of the President. That continued vocalism has fuelled speculation that he may be eyeing one more run for president.
But Mr Biden’s criticism of what he sees as Mr Trump’s “phony nationalism” that he says is “undermining the social fabric” of America, is not the only criticism he’s levelled against high profile politicians.
He’s also had stern words for Hillary Clinton, who lost to Mr Trump in a surprise upset that saw several reliably Democratic states turn blue. Mr Biden said in May that he never really thought Ms Clinton would be a good candidate for president, even though he was a strong supporter on the road for her after she won the Democratic nomination.
Mr Biden has so far this year refused to indicate whether he would run for president in 2020, leading to speculation that he may have unsaid plans.
“I have a regret that I am not president, because I think there is so much opportunity,” Mr Biden has said in a recent interview with Oprah Winfrey. That interview is set to run Sunday.
