Joe Biden Will Run For President! Unless, Of Course, He Doesn't!

Everybody and their mother seems to have an opinion about whether Vice President Joe Biden will enter the presidential race.

The back-and-forth (with no formal announcement either way from Biden himself) has made for a roller coaster ride for political pundits following the race’s every move and headaches for those tiring of the endless coverage.

This much can’t be disputed:

• Biden was just 11 points behind Bernie Sanders and 27 behind Hillary Clinton in the latest CNN poll released Monday, and he isn’t even officially in the race.
• The last time Biden was asked on the record about his potential entry into the race he joked, “I’ll answer in Korean.” (Biden was scheduled to meet with South Korean President Park Geun-hye later that day.)
• In a letter to supporters, Biden’s top aide said, “If he decides to run, we will need each and every one of you — yesterday.”

Otherwise, the rest has been anonymous sourcing and conjecture.

Here’s what some top political sources are saying:

• U.S. Rep. Brandon Boyle (D-PA): He’s In

I have a very good source close to Joe that tells me VP Biden will run for Prez

• Wall Street Journal: He’s In

Vice President Joe Biden is expected to announce in the coming days whether he will enter the presidential race and, at this point, signs point to him running for the Democratic nomination, people familiar with the matter said.

• New York Magazine’s Gabriel Sherman: He’s In

Hearing more out of Bidenworld that announcement that he’s in race could leak out Sunday or Monday…

• Labor Union Leader: He’s In (via CNN)

Harold A. Schaitberger, the president of the powerful International Association of Fire Fighters, spoke Friday morning with Vice President Joe Biden, who strongly indicated in the phone conversation that he is planning to run for president, a source familiar with the discussion said.

• Fox News’ Ed Henry: He’s In

Three sources close to @VP telling me he’s expected to announce he is running but the sources are all urging caution on 48-hr timeline

• USA Today’s Ken Rudin: Don’t Run

Has Tuesday’s Democratic presidential debate quelled the fervor? The latest word is that if, as some have suggested, Clinton dispelled many of the questions surrounding her, maybe there would be no need for Biden to run. That could be the thing that saves his legacy. Otherwise, he could get in the race and all the intrigue and excitement could disappear in a flash. He would become like everyone else.

• The Washington Post’s Daniel W. Drezner: Joe Isn’t Running

Biden’s peak popularity was a few weeks ago. If his numbers had continued to rise inexorably, I could see him being unable to resist getting into the race. But they’re actually trending downward ever so slightly. The only viable scenario where Biden could come in to secure the nomination has evaporated.

• NPR’s Jessica Taylor: Joe Biden’s Window May Have Just Closed

Biding his time may have cost Joe Biden after Tuesday’s Democratic primary debate — but it could also be a welcome relief for the would-be candidate who never really seemed like he wanted to be a candidate.

There certainly appears to be a lot more steam on the “yes” side than the “no.” But until an official decision is made, no one knows for sure.

So for now, we keep waiting.

Image via The White House