Biden: I made ‘right decision’ not to run

Vice President Joe Biden says he made “the right decision” not to run for president in 2016.

“My decision, I know, was the right decision,” he told Bloomberg in an interview published Wednesday.

{mosads}Biden publicly struggled with the decision throughout the late summer and early fall after the death of his son Beau Biden. He convened listening sessions with allies and family, but ultimately chose not to run.

There was intense speculation ahead of his decision, with many believing a bid was imminent. CNN reserved an extra podium for Biden in a primary debate in case he wanted to jump in.

Biden said he was still striving to cope with the death of a son.

“I believed I could win, but that’s not enough. I know myself. And I know it takes time,” he told Bloomberg on Air Force Two after a trip to Ukraine.

“You’ve got to get through the first Thanksgiving — the first empty chair; the first Christmas, the first smell of spring.”

Biden told Bloomberg he wouldn’t endorse a candidate in the Democratic presidential primary despite having met with both Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and former Gov. Martin O’Malley (Md.) in the last two months. He said he’s also spoken with Hillary Clinton and told all three candidates he is available for advice.

His son’s death has prompted him to focus on helping to boost cancer research.

“What I’m doing now, I’m meeting with every center of power within the cancer world. I’m meeting with billionaires who have set up foundations,” he said.

“I’m meeting with everyone from the Mayo Clinic to one of the largest outfits that took care of Beau.”