Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox
Get our free Inside Washington email
Did Joe Biden accidentally reveal his plans to run for the White House? Or was it just another slip of the tongue by the former vice president with a reputation for veering off script?
In a keynote speech at a dinner for the Delaware Democratic Party on Saturday, Mr Biden boasted he has “the most progressive record of anybody running.”
The only problem is Mr Biden has not announced whether he will launch a third run for the White House, despite repeatedly teasing the possibility.
He quickly corrected himself, clarifying that he meant to say “anybody who would run,” then adding “I didn’t mean it” while a cheering crowd in his home state nearly drowned him out.
Although Mr Biden has been known to go off script, his remark is likely to be viewed as a Washington-style gaffe – a case of accidentally telling the truth.
Who could be running against Trump in 2020?
Show all 23
During the rest of his speech he sounded very much like a candidate-in-waiting. He repeatedly attacked Donald Trump, accusing him of stoking division and anger, and bemoaned the ascendant “new left” of his own party has criticised him for being cordial towards Republicans.
“The only thing strong enough to tear America apart is America itself and we’ve seen its start,” he said.
Mr Biden accused Mr Trump of backing away from America’s role as a leader on the world stage and abandoning its allies.
He said it is no coincidence that “fake news” — one of Mr Trump’s favourite labels — “has become the phrase of choice for every despot terrorising his people.”
“We’re literally in a battle for the soul of America,” he said.
After former Texas representative Beto O’Rourke‘s entered the race last week, Mr Biden, who is his party’s best-known and best-connected presidential prospect, is the last major contender to remain on the sidelines.
Joe Biden: 'Our leadership is giving license to this prejudice'
But that did not stop the friendly home-state crowd from revelling in the idea that he will jump in.
“I told him recently I have one campaign left in me,” said Sonia Schorr Sloan, a fundraiser and long-time Biden adviser.
Delaware governor John Carney said Mr Biden “doesn’t just look like he’s back. He looks like he’s ready for a fight.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies