Joe Biden talks 2020 presidential run on Colbert: ‘I’ll be in better shape than Donald Trump’
He previously said he'd run for office because 'what the hell'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Earlier in the week, Joe Biden sensationally told reporters: “I am going to run in 2020…what the hell, man.”
The incumbent vice president and meme supremo’s comments delighted many liberals staring down the barrel of a Donald Trump presidency, and he discussed them while appearing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Tuesday night.
He initially played down his campaign plans, telling the host: “I don’t plan on running again,” but he didn’t rule it out, adding: “But to say you know what’s going to happen in four years is just not rational.
“I can’t see the circumstance in which I’d run, but what I’ve learned a long, long time ago is to never say never.”
Biden added that if he did take on Trump in 2020, he’d like his chances.
“Hell, Donald Trump is going to be 74 and I’ll be 77 and in better shape,” he quipped.
The Veep said that he wishes the circumstances has been right for him to run this year (he chose not to as his son died in May 2015).
“I know I made the right decision for my family,” he said, “I’m not sure I would have been able to put my whole heart in it.”
“What I regret is the circumstance that made me not able to run,” he continued. “I don’t regret the actual decision. It was the right decision for me to have made.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments