Vice President Joe Biden opts out of 2016 Presidential race

Vice President Joe Biden said Wednesday he will not run for president in 2016.

Biden's decision finalizes the Democratic field of White House candidates and sets him on a glide path toward the end of his decades-long political career.

Biden had spent months deliberating with his family and political advisers about a potential late entry to the Democratic primary.

But he also said he might not be emotionally ready to run after his 46-year-old son Beau died of brain cancer in May.

Biden's decision bolsters Hillary Rodham Clinton's standing in the Democratic primary by sparing her a challenge from the popular vice president.

Copyright 2015 FOX 11 Los Angeles : Download our mobile app for breaking news alerts or to watch FOX 11 News | Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .