Biden says he wants Sanders to be part of his presidential ‘journey’

Former Vice President Joe Biden on Tuesday praised Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) for having a “significant” influence on American politics and said he hopes the progressive senator will play a role in his own campaign if he should be the Democratic nominee.

Speaking on NBC’s “Today,” Biden reiterated his commitment to picking a woman as his vice presidential running mate. But he said that he’s spoken to Sanders recently and that he wants him to be a part of his presidential “journey.”

“Bernie has an incredible following,” Biden said. “He’s maybe one of a half-dozen people in American history who may not be the nominee but has had an impact on American politics in a significant way, in a positive way.”

“If I’m the nominee I can tell you one thing — I would very much want Bernie Sanders to be part of the journey. Not as a vice presidential nominee, but just in engaging in all the things that he’s worked so hard to do, many of which I agree with.”

Biden has opened up what many political analysts view as an insurmountable delegates lead in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination.

The primary race has effectively ground to a halt due to the coronavirus.

But national polls show Biden maintaining a big lead over Sanders. The two candidates are on the ballot in the Wisconsin primary on Tuesday, which Biden is expected to win handily. Results are due out on April 13.

There have been some calls for Sanders to drop out of the race. The Washington Post has reported that Sanders’s top advisers have told him privately that it might be a good idea.

Biden on Tuesday said he would not pressure Sanders to exit the race.

“I wouldn’t presume to do that,” Biden said. “I really mean it. It’s a really hard decision and Bernie has a lot of really devoted followers. It’s a difficult decision to make. But it’s his to make. I’m not going to suggest what he should do.”