CNN had it first:
Vice President Joe Biden met privately with Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Saturday in his residence at the Naval Observatory, CNN has learned, another sign he is seriously deciding whether to jump into the Democratic presidential race.
The meeting between Biden and Warren, confirmed by two people familiar with the session, is the biggest indication yet that Biden is feeling out influential Democrats before announcing his intentions.
Beloved by liberal Democrats, Warren decided to sit out a campaign of her own, but she has yet to formally endorse a candidate. In an interview on Friday, she told WBZ in Boston: "I don't think anyone has been anointed."
The vice president arrived in Washington shortly before lunchtime, even though his official schedule said he was planning to spend the weekend at his home in Delaware.
Kendra Barkoff, a Biden spokeswoman, declined to comment on the meeting. But an aide to Biden confirmed a meeting, telling CNN: "The vice president traveled last minute to Washington, D.C. for a private meeting and will be returning to Delaware."
The
NYT adds:
Mr. Biden and Ms. Warren met for over an hour at the Naval Observatory with no aides present, according to a Democrat briefed on the conversation.
I recognize that there are many here -- mostly Clinton supporters -- who have continued to deny that Biden is exploring a Presidential run. They have insisted that anything emanating from the NYT cannot be trusted, especially if it's potentially harmful to Clinton.
But I don't think at this point, given the stream of stories and lack of denials, that it can be seriously questioned that Joe Biden has, indeed, been considering a run for the White House. Which leads to this invitation:
Oh, fine. I'll try:
Warren: Thank you for inviting me here, Mr. Vice President. How can I help you?
Biden: As you know, Senator, I've been thinking about the Presidency. I love and respect Secretary Clinton, but I think she's too damaged to win next year. All these attacks ... I worry. I think White House should not revert to the Clintons, and that the country would be better off with my values.
Warren: Are you asking me if I think you should run, sir?
Biden: No, I've decided. As much as I want to, I'm 72 years old. I've had a great life, an amazing life, and as much of it as I've got left, I want to spent with my wife and family. I'm not going to run. And if I'm being honest with myself, I'm just not the one they're clamoring for.
Warren: Who?
Biden: You. It has to be you. You're the only one who can unite our party, excite people, and become the progressive President our nation so desperately needs.
Warren: But I ... it's not my time, sir. It's Hillary's.
Biden: I know you think that, and I know you've been clear you're not looking to run. But not wanting the office so desperately may be the best you'd hold it so honorably. So let me tell you a story from our friend Dick Durbin, because back in late 2006, Barack Obama was having the same doubts about running for the White House, and he, too, looked at Hillary and said, "why me? why now? why not her?"
And Dick told Obama two things: one, sometimes in life and in political life, you can choose the moment. But sometimes, the moment chooses you. This is your moment.
Second, Hillary's a great person. She really is. She was a great first lady, a great United States senator, and a fantastic Secretary of State. But your voice needs to be heard. It needs to, Liz. The country needs you.
Warren: Thank you, Mr. Vice President.
And, scene.