WASHINGTON — (CNN) Vice President Joe Biden revealed to members of the Democratic National Committee Wednesday that he is assessing whether he has “the emotional fuel” to run for the White House.
“We’re dealing at home with … whether or not there is the emotional fuel at this time to run,” Biden told DNC members on a conference call that was billed as an opportunity to hear from the vice president on the Iran nuclear deal. “If I were to announce to run, I have to be able to commit to all of you that I would be able to give it my whole heart and my whole soul, and right now, both are pretty well banged up.”
Although he did not mention his son, Beau Biden, by name during the call, the vice president has spoken openly throughout the summer about his grief following Beau’s passing from brain cancer in May.
The call was intended to be closed to the media and for members of the Democratic Party only. But CNN obtained access to the conversation.
The vice president spoke for more than an hour on the nuclear agreement. But as soon as he opened the call to questions, he was asked by one DNC member about his future political plans.
Biden sounded undecided but hardly closed the door on a run. He acknowledged that he is making his determination based on conversations with family members.
“I’m not trying to skirt your question. That’s the truth of the matter, but believe me, I’ve given this a lot of thought and dealing internally with the family on how we do this,” he added.
Aides to the vice president have repeatedly stressed Biden is not close to a decision, which could come in late September or early October.
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