Biden opts out of first Democratic debate

Vice President Joe Biden
(Image credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Even though Joe Biden would technically have qualified for CNN's October 13 Democratic debate had he announced his candidacy, the vice president won't be participating. CNN reported Thursday that not only has Biden not been preparing for the first Democratic debate, he is also still undecided about whether he'll run for president.

Biden had originally committed to making a decision regarding a presidential run by the end of the summer. Since that deadline has passed, he's now eyeing a late October announcement. Biden has recently expressed uncertainty over his family's emotional preparedness for an election following the May death of his son Beau.

Still, the veep's network has been setting shop up just in case he does decide to run. And if Biden does somehow happen to make that decision before the October 13 debates, it won't be too late — he can participate as long as he declares by the morning of the debate.

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