Senator Carper Statement on Vice President Biden

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following statement after Vice President Biden announced he would not make a presidential run.

“I know this was an extraordinarily difficult decision for the Biden family to make. I’ve known Joe for many years as we worked together to serve the people of Delaware and our country, and I know he has everything it takes to make a great president. He and his family have decided this is not the right time, and it’s my sincere hope that they are at peace with his decision.

“In my conversations with Joe over the past several weeks, I encouraged him to listen to his family as they all continue to grieve the terrible loss of their beloved Beau. I know he heard from people across the country who urged him to run and offered to help, but the most important influences on his decision were his wife, Jill, their children and grandchildren, and God.

“There are still 15 months left in the Obama Administration, and a full time vice president will go a long way toward getting important things done for the American people. When his time in the White House concludes, Joe will certainly have the opportunity to serve as our ambassador to the world, and I know he’ll continue making a positive difference in all our lives. I also know Beau’s memory and spirit will help him do it.”