Super PAC changes course on airing ad urging Biden to run
Draft Biden, a super PAC which is trying to convince Vice President Joe Biden to run for the presidency, had just announced a six-figure TV ad buy Wednesday for an emotional 90-second spot called "My Redemption," only to reverse course on Thursday.
Though the TV ad had not yet started to run, it was already online and had been covered by news outlets including CBS News.
A person familiar with the vice president's thinking confirmed to CBS News that he did not want the ad to air because he felt that it was too exploitive of the tragedies in his recent and distant past.
Using part of a speech he had delivered, the ad recounts the day four decades ago when his wife and infant daughter were killed in a car accident. Soon after Biden delivered that speech his son Beau died this spring after a bout with cancer.
Josh Alcorn, Draft Biden, senior adviser said in a statement, "Nobody has more respect for the Vice President and his family than we do. Obviously we will honor his wishes." This was first reported by the Los Angeles Times.
The vice president's office declined to comment on the matter.
Draft Biden had planned to run the spot ahead of the Democrats' first presidential primary debate Oct. 13 and the day after the debate. The vice president is not likely to participate in the debate. While Biden will likely skip Tuesday's debate, some close to him say that he is nearing a decision -- and is leaning towards a White House bid.