Biden's Advisor Did Not Rule Out His Participation in the Presidential Election

Just when Democrats thought Joe Biden would not participate in the election campaign, the U.S. Vice President has announced through his advisors that not only will he compete for the Democratic nomination in the presidential election, but he has also prepared a strategy that he believes has a chance of success. According to the Associated Press, after months of speculation about Biden's potential candidacy and the start of the first Democratic debate this week, it seemed that Hillary Clinton's position was firmly established, leaving little reason for Biden to enter the race. However, one of his close advisors has outlined Biden's reasons for entering the competition in a letter, adding that he will announce his decision soon. Ted Kaufman, a former senator, writes in an email, a copy of which was provided to the Associated Press, 'If Joe Biden enters this race, it is because he deeply believes that we must ensure the ability of the middle class to advance by changing the balance of the country's economic and political situation.' If Biden enters the race, he will immediately become Clinton's main rival. So far, Clinton has managed to solidify her position as the leading candidate against other Democratic contenders. In contrast, none of the Republican candidates have been able to establish themselves as the leading candidate. Donald Trump currently enjoys the highest popularity, but it remains uncertain whether he can maintain his position until the final selection of the Republican nominee, which is several months away. Ted Kaufman, who was Biden's chief of staff for two decades before he took his Senate seat, has been one of Biden's closest associates since May and the death of Biden's son. He and two other advisors have been the core of Biden's inner circle during the months of speculation about his candidacy, and they have conducted all their activities in silence. In another part of his email, Kaufman writes to Biden's former staff and advisors, 'If he decides to enter this race, we will need each and every one of you.' Kaufman adds, 'I am sure that Joe Biden knows well that he must announce his decision as soon as possible due to practical requirements.' Although Biden's advisory team has been reviewing and determining the overall plan for a campaign and possibly its main staff in recent months, this email, addressed to all advisors and staff from Biden's Senate office and vice presidency, is the clearest request for support for a potential campaign. This news comes at a time when many Democratic leaders, including Clinton's campaign manager, have expressed dissatisfaction with Biden's delay and have even said that it might be too late for him to enter the race. According to the Associated Press, despite all these doubts, Biden has not been idle during this time. According to individuals familiar with these discussions who prefer to remain anonymous, Biden has contacted several key Democratic figures in important states like Iowa and New Hampshire this week. Kaufman did not refer to specific policies that Biden would propose if he entered the race. However, from his general explanation regarding Biden's approach, it can be seen that it will differ significantly from Clinton's campaign strategies, which have been criticized as overly calculated and designed. Kaufman writes in part of his email: 'A campaign from the heart. A campaign based on his values, our values, and the values of the American people. And I think it is fair to say that this campaign will not be a pre-written script.' Kaufman writes, 'Biden believes we must win this election' and adds, referring to the argument that Biden is the best person to protect and continue Barack Obama's legacy, 'Everything he and President Obama have done and worked for is at stake.'