Count former Iowa Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin among the skeptics of a Joe Biden presidential run.
Harkin said that while Biden is an upstanding politician as well as a close friend of his, Biden has yet to tell people what his plans would be for the presidency. Harkin has endorsed Hillary Clinton.
Rumors of the vice president running for the Democratic nomination began circling early this summer, and have gained momentum as the Draft Biden 2016 Super PAC raises more money and makes strategic hires.
While Biden has yet to officially announce his candidacy, he has some support in preliminary polling, reaching as high as 11 percent among Democratic voters. There have been reports he’s keeping his option available.
As front-runner Hillary Clinton comes under increased scrutiny for her handling of a private email server, some Democrats are looking for options. Despite all this, Harkin still believes Clinton is the best choice “I can say that, in terms of Joe Biden, we haven’t heard the last of him in terms of what he can offer to the United States in the future,” Harkin said on “Andrea Mitchell Reports” on Monday. “What this calls for right now is Hillary Clinton, it’s time for a woman — it’s past time, as a matter of fact — for a woman president.”
Harkin first endorsed Clinton on Thursday in a Des Moines Register op-ed, citing their shared values on social and economic justice.
“Well, look, as I said, I don’t foresee that possibility [of Biden running]. I really don’t. I think the field is out there. It’s set right now,” Harkin added. “And I think, when all is said and done, Hillary Clinton will win the Iowa caucuses. She will go on and win and she’ll be our nominee and she’ll be elected president. ”
