Vice President Biden made it clear Tuesday he’s open to running against Hillary Clinton in a 2016 Democratic presidential primary.
Speaking on ABC’s “The View,” Biden pushed back when co-host Barbara Walters claimed he had said he would not enter the next race for the White House if the former secretary of State did.
{mosads}”No, I haven’t” said that, Biden told Walters. He added later that “whether [Clinton] runs or not will not affect my decision.”
The 2016 questions came as Biden sought to promote ObamaCare’s marketplaces with the show’s heavily female audience.
The White House is urging mothers to tell their kids to sign up for health plans before March 31, when open enrollment ends for 2014.
“Call your sons and daughters,” Biden told the audience. “Tell them to sign up. It’s for them and for your peace of mind.”
The vice president also touted his record on foreign policy and his interest in continuing President Obama’s agenda in the future. He told Walters that he would announce his final decision on 2016 on the show if she remained a host.
The night before, Biden had quipped about 2016 during a separate television appearance on NBC’s “Late Night” with Seth Meyers.
“Well, you know, I was planning on making a major announcement tonight, but I decided tonight’s your night,” Biden joked when Meyers asked him about his 2016 plans. “So I hope you’ll invite me back.”
A January survey from Public Policy Polling found Clinton with a 55-point lead over Biden among Democratic primary voters for 2016.