John Kerry endorses Joe Biden for president

Former Secretary of State John Kerry is out with his 2020 pick.

Kerry, the 2004 Democratic nominee for president, on Thursday endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden, in a statement describing him as "the president our country desperately needs right now."

"I've never before seen the world more in need of someone who on day one can begin the incredibly hard work of putting back together the world Donald Trump has smashed apart," Kerry said.

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In an interview with The Washington Post, Kerry said he likes Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) "enormously," adding he also likes former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D), but "I just think Joe is the person for the moment." He also said that "I'm not endorsing Joe because I've known him a long time. I'm endorsing him because I know him so well."

Kerry while speaking to the Post also dismissed moments during the Democratic presidential debates in which Biden has struggled to find his words, saying, "Who hasn't done that, over a lifetime?" In terms of advice for Biden, Kerry told the Post, "He needs to do exactly what he's doing now." Kerry is set to campaign with Biden in Iowa on Friday.