After Hillary Clinton's strong debate performance, prospect of Biden run lingers
If Vice President Joe Biden were looking for any clear sign from Tuesday night's Democratic debate that he should enter the 2016 race, he probably didn't see it.
Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton gave a polished performance, deftly responding to the criticisms about her campaign and making the case she's well prepared to face off against the eventual Republican nominee.
At a White House event on Wednesday, Biden said he was "proud" of all five candidates on stage at the Las Vegas, Nevada debate. "I thought every one of those folks did well," he said.
Biden is nearing a decision as to whether he should jump in the race, people familiar with his thinking have told CBS News' Julianna Goldman.
John Podesta, Clinton's presidential campaign chairman, said on MSNBC on Wednesday that "the time has come" for Biden to make a decision.
"If Vice President Biden wants to enter and compete for the presidency, then it is time he make that decision," he said. "And, you know, I think that we will have a healthy and respectful debate amongst friends about the direction of the economy, the direction of foreign policy. But she is very proud to have served President Obama."
Podesta said that Biden "deserved the space and time" to think carefully about his decision. After the death over the summer of his 46-year-old son Beau, the vice president said he wasn't sure he and his family had the "emotional energy" to endure another campaign.
Still, Podesta said, "I think the time has come for a decision so that at the next debate, if he does decide to get in, there will be six podiums on the stage. "
CBS News hosts the next Democratic debate on November 14 in Iowa.
There are some logistical constraints that could press Biden to make a decision. Within weeks, the vice president will start running up against filing deadlines for appearing on 2016 primary ballots. The first deadline for Democrats is November 6 in Alabama.
