Talking Points: VP Joe Biden Considering Presidential Run
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The New York Times is among major media outlets reporting that Vice President Joe Biden is considering getting into the race for the Democratic Presidential nomination.
The Times and other outlets report that Biden's late son Beau, who died of cancer in May, urged his father to run. Political experts believe Biden would pose the biggest threat to front-runner Hillary Clinton, who according to RealClearPolitics.com, is running 40 points ahead of her nearest rival, Bernie Sanders.
Clinton has been the presumed Democratic frontrunner for more than a year. About 13 months ago, top Minnesota Democrats, including Gov. Mark Dayton, Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Betty McCollum, held a fundraiser for her super PAC called "Ready for Hillary." But it appears not all Democrats are ready for the former Secretary of State.
Some recent polls have showed a dip in how she would fare against top Republicans. And some Democrats privately fear she cannot escape ongoing questions over her handling of emails as Secretary of State as well the Benghazi crisis. Now, Vice President Joe Biden may jump in the race, putting Democrats who have been helping raise money for Clinton in a tough spot. Rep. Betty McCollum was a guest on WCCO Sunday Morning.
"I have been associated with the Clinton campaign so a decision has been made, but the electorate will decide. Mr. Sanders has been drawing large crowds. I don't think it hurts to have a debate," McCollum said.
Experts agree if Biden does enter the race, he will have to do so soon. The widely circulated figure for how much money a party nominee will need to finance a presidential bid is between $1.5 and $2 billion.
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