Why Joe Biden Isn’t Running

Daniel Drezner: “The only political reason for a Biden candidacy was an imploding Hillary Clinton, and she’s not imploding. Sure, Clinton trails Bernie Sanders in New Hampshire, but not nationally, not in Iowa, and not in South Carolina or Nevada either. Furthermore, the poll numbers in recent weeks contradict the narrative of Clinton only trending downward. She’s improved her position nationally and in Iowa over the past few weeks, and her favorability numbers have also gone up. Her big money supporters seem concerned about Biden, but ‘are feeling encouraged for the first time in months.'”

“The biggest problem Clinton has faced has been the e-mail scandal, but two GOP own-goals in the last two weeks have, at a minimum, cauterized that wound.”

New York Times: “The danger for Mr. Biden, as his advisers know all too well, is that intrigue can easily turn into fatigue. After 10 weeks of his being egged on by Democrats disenchanted with Mrs. Clinton and by a news media eager for a race to cover, Mr. Biden increasingly faces demands that he make up his mind.”