Joe Biden says he's almost ready to decide on 2020 presidential run

[TexasTowelie]

Joe Biden didn’t answer the big question about 2020 Monday night, but he whetted supporters’ appetites, leaving many hungry for a presidential candidacy.

The former vice president, who sounded as if he’d relish a chance to change the nation’s course, said a decision would come soon.

“I’m running the traps on this. I don’t want to make this a fool’s errand, and we’re a lot closer than I was before Christmas, and we’ll make the decision soon,” he told an audience of about 2,000 at the Broward Center for Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, prompting a round of applause.

Kelley Shanley, president and CEO of the Broward Center, hosting the 90-minute conversation with Biden, posed the 2020 question from a card submitted by Sandy Stoller, of Boynton Beach: “Vice President Biden, will you please run for president?”

Read more: https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/fl-ne-joe-biden-presidential-questions-broward-20190128-story.html

[doompatrol39]

1. 2016 would have been his time.

He opted to not run then (I won't get into the obvious reasons why). The time has passed. It's time for someone younger who will generate a lot of energy. I get the "experience" argument, but Obama had less experience than most of the candidates already in the race and did an excellent job so that doesn't apply to the same degree that it used to.

[LongtimeAZDem]

2. I would argue the opposite; it matters far more now

While the Bush administration left a mess, it was nothing compared to the damage Trump has done to the government and our standing in the world. We need someone with the experience and gravitas to put things back together.

[doompatrol39]

4. But that experience won't get to actually be put to work......

if we don't have someone who is going to excite and inspire voters to get to the polls.

[LongtimeAZDem]

6. I don't believe that will be a problem. If Biden can win the nomination, it will be because he

is able to do so against the younger candidates.

And, I completely disagree with your earlier "one old white guy against another" assessment; I believe that the desire for a return to stability will capture more independent voters.

And, if he runs with someone like Harris, we get the best possible setup for fixing the damage and moving forward.

[honest.abe]

7. I suspect Biden will have a hard time getting traction this time.

I love him but its too late. We need a fresh face with new ideas and inspiration. Like Kamala Harris.

[LongtimeAZDem]

8. Poll numbers would seem to suggest othrwise; we'll see how it shakes out

[honest.abe]

10. Well, polls now are meaningless.

I am talking about once the campaign season really kicks in.

[LongtimeAZDem]

11. Agreed, but frankly, so is any speculation at this point.

[honest.abe]

12. Well I think its a bit more than speculation regarding Biden's chances.

There are indications out there that suggest Biden will have a hard time winning. The biggest factor being his age. Many are weary of the 70+ Presidential candidates. Also, the last election we saw a lot of fresh young faces coming out as winners or near winners. That is the trend that will likely carry over to 2020.

[democratisphere]

3. There is a horrendous drumpfian mess to cleanup at home and around the world.

It will take experience and wisdom to get that job done.

[doompatrol39]

5. See above...

...if we don't have someone who can inspire people to get to the polls and really generate excitement in large enough numbers to turn out the vote, then that experience won't get any chance to be put into effect.

[MrGrieves]

9. If people aren't willing to vote for a competent

If people aren’t willing to vote for a competent individual who can form complete sentances then we are truly fucked. I don’t have a favorite yet so I don’t mind more candidates throwing their hat in the ring. We are a year out from viting anyway. We need to chill on limiting who runs at this point.