Hillary Clinton’s campaign team isn’t happy about reports they have a plan for dealing with Vice President Joe Biden if he jumps into the race.
“Clinton already running against Biden? News to us! Sounds like something else that’s only true in the minds of Politico editors,” Clinton communications director Jen Palmieri tweeted out on Tuesday.
“To be more clear,” she added, “I bet Politico editors also don’t believe we have strategy against the VP, but its good click bait to say we do.”
The tweets attack a Tuesday morning news story claiming that the Clinton campaign is “firing warning shots” at the Biden camp, discouraging him from running. The Clinton campaign has increased its organization and rolled out more endorsements of late to make it appear as if there is no more space for another candidate to enter the race, according to the report.
When asked about the hypothetical Biden candidacy, Clinton has repeatedly responded that the vice president should take as much time as he needs to make the right decision. stop make the decision that is right for him, especially in light of his recent personal tragedy. Biden has expressed some interest in a presidential bid, but also worry that he and his family aren’t emotionally ready after the death of son Beau.
Chatter about a potential Biden campaign has nevertheless increased in recent weeks. A former aide to the president told The Hill that the buzz surrounding Clinton’s private email server will hurt her chances for the nomination, as it “reaffirms this s— about her that no one needs” and creates an opening for Biden.
Without Biden in the race, Hillary leads Bernie Sanders 44 percent to 26 percent in averages of national polls. Without Biden, her lead over the Vermont senator grows to 57 percent to 29 percent.
