Biden meets with Democrats, stoking 2016 chatter

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 10: U.S. Vice President Joe Biden (L) makes brief remarks to the press after a meeting with Cabinet members and sportsmen's, wildlife and gun interest groups (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
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Posted: 01/22/2013

By: KEN THOMAS

WASHINGTON - Joe Biden in 2016?

The vice president is stoking speculation that he may be laying groundwork for a presidential campaign with a series of meetings with Democratic supporters throughout the long weekend of inauguration festivities.

Biden was meeting with delegates from the Democratic National Committee during a private reception Tuesday following a DNC meeting. The vice president held events at the Naval Observatory over the weekend, invited New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan to his swearing-in and dropped by an Iowa inaugural ball, prompting interest in his plans.

Biden told CNN in an interview Monday that there are "a whole lot of reasons why I wouldn't run" but that he was focused on helping President Barack Obama. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton remains a heavy favorite if she decides to run.