Former Vice President Joe Biden is exactly the kind of presidential candidate that members of a prominent firefighters union would support in 2020, according to the head of the International Association of Fire Fighters.
“We have a lot of faith and we’ve had a great relationship over several decades with the former vice president, Joe Biden,” Harold Schaitberger told Hill.TV’s Buck Sexton and Krystal Ball said Thursday on “Rising.”
“While he is making that decision, we are watching that very carefully because I will say that he does fit the philosophy, the ideology, the pragmatic approach to our political arena and our members are drawn to that kind of candidate,” Schaitberger said.
He added that the union’s members span the political spectrum and that they reflect the “exact definition of the political landscape in our nation.” He added that most members are looking for middle-of-the-road candidates, and that Biden fits the bill.
“We have Democrats, Republicans, independents. We have conservatives, some progressives, but predominately down the middle lane and they look to associate themselves with candidates in that lane more times than not,” Schaitberger said.
Biden is considered a likely frontrunner for the 2020 Democratic nomination and has topped polls comparing potential candidates.
At an event in Montana last month, Biden said he believes he is the “most qualified person in the country to be president.” He appears to be in the final stages of making a decision on whether to run.
The New York Times reported on Sunday that he’ll likely make an official announcement within the next two weeks.
Biden has reportedly confided in those close to him that he doesn’t think other potential Democratic contenders could beat President Trump.
Other possible 2020 candidates include Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), as well as and former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-Texas).
If Biden decides to run, it would mark his third White House bid.
—Tess Bonn
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