Joe Biden: Vice-President Announces He Will NOT Run For President In 2016, See Reactions On Social Media [PHOTO]
Joe Biden supporters were left heartbroken Wednesday, as the Vice-President officially announced that he would not seek a bid as the Democratic Party nominee for President in 2016.
In a press conference in the White House Rose Garden, alongside his wife Jill and President Obama, Biden made the announcement after months of speculation that he would join the race and potentially unseat former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as the party front-runner.
Biden credited his decision not to run by citing the time he believes he and his family needed to properly mourn the death of his son Beau in May, and that he didn't believe they were truly emotionally ready to launch a campaign until it became too late to join the race.
"Unfortunately, I believe we're out of time," he said.
Naturally news of his announcement has exploded on social media, with many weighing in on his decision and whether or not they respected it.
Clinton and Bernie Sanders, who is still in the race and has been considered second to Clinton in the polls, reached out on Twitter to praise the Vice-President for the things he has accomplished during his career, while Republican front-runner Donald Trump praised Biden for choosing not to run because he would prefer to beat Clinton:
I thank @VP for his continued service to the nation and his support of the middle class.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) October 21, 2015
I also commend @VP's outlining of an agenda to make college free, fight economic inequality, close tax loopholes & protect dignity for all. — Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) October 21, 2015
.@VP is a good friend and a great man. Today and always, inspired by his optimism and commitment to change the world for the better. -H — Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 21, 2015
I think Joe Biden made correct decision for him & his family. Personally, I would rather run against Hillary because her record is so bad. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 21, 2015
Many have expressed support for his decision and are taking to Twitter to thank him for his years of service, since his political career will come to an end when the new President takes over:
Thank your for your service, @VP @JoeBiden. I'm sad, but I totally get it. You've given so much to this country.
— April (@ReignOfApril) October 21, 2015
Thanks to Joe Biden for reminding us that good opportunities aren't always the right opportunities, that there's dignity in saying no. — Rachel Held Evans (@rachelheldevans) October 21, 2015
Thank you @VP Joe Biden for your years of service and for ALWAYS having President Obama's back rain or shine. pic.twitter.com/h4rUTIwaJC
— Nerdy Wonka (@NerdyWonka) October 21, 2015
You're a good guy, Joe Biden. — Susan Orlean (@susanorlean) October 21, 2015
Hats off to Joe Biden and Paul Ryan, who both public prioritized family and self-care over professional pursuits.
— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) October 21, 2015
Others of course took to the social media platform to share they were heartbroken over the news--especially after considering other candidates who are running on both the Democratic and Republican sides:
.@JoeBiden reconsiderrrrrrrr pic.twitter.com/tjYda5ow2Q — Kal Penn (@kalpenn) October 21, 2015
The moment when you realize wonderful human being Joe Biden isn't running but hateful bigot Donald Trump is and Canada is not that far.
— John (@linnyitssn) October 21, 2015
However, others also couldn't resist but to poke fun at the announcement, posting jokes about both Biden and his speech, as well as Bill and Hillary Clinton, and even former Democratic candidate Jim Webb, who dropped out of the race earlier this week:
BREAKING: Joe Biden will not run for president, Bill Clinton reportedly en route to store to pick out drapes for White House — Rex Huppke (@RexHuppke) October 21, 2015
Joe Biden: "The window has closed..." "And I don't know how to open these things." pic.twitter.com/ILaUD9zJ6R
— BigHeadSports (@BigHeadSports) October 21, 2015
Joe Biden announces that he's not running which is really going to hurt his chances at the nomination. #Breaking — John Dickerson (@jdickerson) October 21, 2015
joe biden is not running for president, but I am running...to chipotle for lunch.
— Cody Alan (@cmtcody) October 21, 2015
Jim Webb must be so jealous of how much time Joe Biden is getting right now. Look at all that sweet, sweet time. — Samantha Allen (@SLAwrites) October 21, 2015
I'm disappointed that Chris Rock won't run, but excited that Joe Biden will host the Oscars.
— Ina Fried (@inafried) October 21, 2015
*Joe Biden in Rose Garden, wearing Nike Air Mags* *clears throat, points to auto-lacing shoes* *walks back into White House* — maurice (@tallmaurice) October 21, 2015
There's always a small chance that Joe Biden is announcing a Guns and Roses reunion tour.
— Will McAvoy (@WillMcAvoyACN) October 21, 2015
As of press time, it has been noted that Draft Joe Biden, the Pac which raised money and campaigned to get Biden in the race, has not yet commented on his decision, with the last tweet on their account posted for yesterday, mentioning the Vice-President's stand on clean energy.
Biden's record on clean energy speaks for itself. No candidate has had a bigger hand in combating climate change https://t.co/ls8Bdfe5rZ — Draft Joe Biden (@draftbiden) October 20, 2015
The group previously put out an emotionally charged advertisement encouraging the VP to run despite the tragedy involving his son's death.