American Vice President Biden has announced that he will not run for president, thereby ending months of feverish speculation over his 2016 plans.
Joe Biden flanked by hs wife (right) and President Obama (left) while making the announcement
Speaking in the Rose Garden alongside his wife Jill and President Obama, Biden said the window of opportunity to mount a viable campaign "has closed." He has been weighing a decision since summer, but cautioned all along that he and his family were grieving over the loss of his son Beau Biden - and said Wednesday he knew that process could outlast the window for making a decision.
"Unfortunately I believe we're out of time, the time necessary to mount a winning campaign for the nomination," Biden said.
He added, "While I will not be a candidate, I will not be silent."
Biden went on to urge Democrats to run on Obama's record, while decrying the current partisanship in Washington.
The decision settles mounting speculation in recent weeks over his plans, with pressure building on him from supporters as front-runner Hillary Clinton grappled with slipping poll numbers and a widening scandal over her email use in her capacity as secretary of state.