Former Vice President Joe Biden, who is expected to soon launch a bid for the presidency, is reportedly considering selecting a running mate early in his campaign.
Citing Democrats familiar with Biden’s plans, CNN reported the possibility on Monday. An aide told the network that naming a running mate early would help Biden keep the focus on the Democratic goal of defeating President Trump in the general election.
{mosads}Biden has discussed the possibility in conversations with advisers as well as with top Democrats and elected officials, according to CNN.
CNN noted that Biden stirred speculation last week by meeting with former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams (D). But the two did not formally discuss the vice presidency during that meeting, two people familiar with the meeting told CNN.
Biden is reportedly close to entering the 2020 presidential race but has yet to officially announce his bid. If he were to declare his candidacy, he would join a crowded field that includes Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) as well as former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-Texas).
Biden seemed to hint at his bid last week, telling an audience that he has the “most progressive record” of anyone running or considering running for president.
“I have the most progressive record of anybody running for the — anybody who would run,” he said.