Biden won’t be ‘bullied’ by Clinton campaign, source says

Vice President Joe Biden will not be intimidated by pressure from Hillary Clinton’s Democratic presidential campaign to make a decision on a 2016 bid, a “close confidante” told CBS News, describing Biden as an outsider who “could care less” about the “Democratic establishment.”

“[Biden] really does not care about John [Podesta] or anyone else,” the unidentified “long-term adviser” said.

{mosads}“He does not like bullies and he will not be bullied,” the source added. “He has never been a part of the Democratic establishment and could care less about it.”

Biden is considering a third Oval Office bid following unsuccessful attempts in 1988 and 2008.

Podesta, Clinton’s campaign chairman, has repeatedly urged the vice president to declare his intentions.

“It’s time he make that decision,” he said during an Oct. 14 appearance on MSNBC’s “Andrea Mitchell Reports.”

“I think he’s been through a tremendous tragedy,” Podesta said. “And we’ve been respectful about that, and I think he deserved the space and the time to think that through and whether it was best for him to begin this new challenge to try to mount a presidential campaign.”

Biden was notably absent during last week’s first Democratic National Committee (DNC) debate. 

At issue is the Biden family’s emotional strength following the loss of Joe Biden’s son Beau earlier this year.

Beau Biden, 46, reportedly urged his father to seek the White House before dying after a struggle with brain cancer.

CBS News reported on Monday that Joe Biden spent the weekend with his loved ones in Wilmington, Del. He also reportedly attended mass alone at the church of St. Patrick there Sunday.

The next DNC debate is scheduled for Nov. 14 in Des Moines, Iowa.