Biden: ‘I have the most progressive record of anybody running … anybody who would run’

Former Vice President Joe Biden hinted at a 2020 presidential campaign, telling an audience that he views himself to be the most progressive of any Democrat running or considering a run for the presidency.

At a speech in Delaware to members of the state Democratic Party, Biden argued that criticism from members of the “New Left,” a term used to define progressive who align with principle espoused by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) during his 2016 presidential campaign, was unfounded.

“I’m told I get criticized by the ‘New Left,’ ” Biden told the audience. “I have the most progressive record of anybody running for the … anybody who would run.”

Joe Biden: “I’m told I get criticized by the New Left. I have the most progressive record of anybody running for the … anybody who would run” pic.twitter.com/Y5rqCpxEZR

— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) March 17, 2019

His remarks were punctuated by a standing ovation by Democrats in the room who celebrated Biden’s apparent slip up suggesting a presidential run, before the former vice president moved on to aim criticism at President Trump.{mosads}

“We have to bring this country back together again,” Biden continued.

“The world’s worst dictators are using [the president’s] own words to justify their own abuses of power,” he added.

Biden has been considering a 2020 bid for months, and has told reporters since late last year that he was gauging how a run for the presidency would affect his family.

He consistently polls higher than other announced candidates such as Sens. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), indicating that he would enter the race near the top of the crowded Democratic field if he announced a bid for the White House.