WAITING IN THE WINGS – AT 10:28 A.M. ET:  Joe Biden must be enjoying the news about Hillary.  He is vacationing in South Carolina, where, as I understand it, an important primary will be held.  From The Wall Street Journal: 

Vice President Joe Biden is using part of his vacation in South Carolina this week to sound out friends and family about a presidential bid, as some Democrats press him to enter the race and give the party another option in the face of lingering controversies involving Hillary Clinton.

From his vacation spot on Kiawah Island, Mr. Biden is giving the strongest signal yet that he is actively considering making a third run at the presidency. He is asking political allies for advice and gauging the strength of Mrs. Clinton’s campaign as he weighs his options, people familiar with the matter said. Mr. Biden is expected to announce his decision next month.

“He’s taking input from a lot of people he cares about and respects,” said James Smith, a South Carolina legislator and Biden supporter who said he has urged the vice president to run. “He knows where I stand. It’s just got to be his decision.”

COMMENT:  But Biden faces some serious hurdles.  First, although he's a very likable guy, there is no real yearning for him in the Democratic Party.  His poll numbers go nowhere.

Second, he'd run for president twice before, with disastrous results.  He didn't even come close.

Third, he is given to gaffes, and embarrassing moments.

Fourth, he'll be 73, going on 74.  The GOP will undoubtedly run a much younger, more dynamic candidate. 

Fifth, the president he's tied to, Barack Obama, is becoming increasingly unpopular. 

I don't think it's an easy decision for Biden.  I think it's 50-50 on his running.

August 13, 2015