Biden declines to run for president in 2016
Josh Lederman | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 9 years AGO
<p>Vice President Joe Biden speaks as he takes part in a tribute to former Vice President Walter Mondale in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015. Bidenb announced on Wednesday he would not seek the Democratic nomination for president in 2016.(AP Photo/Molly Riley)</p>
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden said Wednesday he will not run for president in 2016.
Biden's decision finalizes the Democratic field of White House candidates and sets him on a glide path toward the end of his decades-long political career.
Biden had spent months deliberating with his family and political advisers about a potential late entry to the Democratic primary.
But he also said he might not be emotionally ready to run after his 46-year-old son Beau died of brain cancer in May.
Biden's decision bolsters Hillary Rodham Clinton's standing in the Democratic primary by sparing her a challenge from the popular vice president.