Vice President Joe Biden opts out of 2016 Presidential race

Published October 21, 2015 9:51 AM PDT

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.

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