Biden assessing if he has ’emotional fuel’ to run for president

Vice President Biden told a group of Democrats on Wednesday that he is figuring out whether he has the “emotional fuel” to run for president, CNN reported.

Biden, whose son Beau died from brain cancer in May, said he would have to commit his “heart” and “soul” to a presidential campaign, both of which are “pretty well banged up.”

{mosads}”If I were to announce to run I have to be able to commit to all of you that I would be able to give it my whole heart and my whole soul and right now, both are pretty well banged up,” Biden told Democratic National Committee members in a conference call on Wednesday, according to the news network.

“We’re dealing at home with … whether or not there is the emotional fuel at this time to run,” Biden added. 

The call was intended to be closed to the media. 

The vice president’s comments offer a rare glimpse into his decision-making process as he decides whether to challenge Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination.

A litany of factors will play into Biden’s decision, including whether he can build a campaign and fundraising infrastructure to compete with Clinton, the Democratic front-runner.

But family concerns are also weighing heavily on Biden, 72, in the wake of Beau’s death.

His oldest son reportedly urged him to run before passing away, but members of his family and inner circle are said to be divided on whether he should jump into the race while he is still mourning Beau.

When asked about his political ambitions, the vice president didn’t reveal his plans. But he said he is making his decisions based on conversations with his family members. 

“I’m not trying to skirt your question,” he said. “That’s the truth of the matter, but believe me, I’ve given this a lot of thought and dealing internally with the family on how we do this.”

President Obama would also be put in a tough spot if Biden decides to run against Clinton, the president’s first secretary of State, for the nomination.

The White House has sought to strike a neutral pose as Biden considers a run.

“The vice president has more than earned the right to have the space and time to make a decision about whether or not he would like to be a candidate for president,” Press Secretary Josh Earnest said on Tuesday. 

—This story was updated at 5:30 p.m.