Biden will not make run for White House in 2016

Vice President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday he will not make a run for the White House in 2016.

Speaking at the White House with President Obama and his wife Jill  by his side,  Biden said that following the death of his son Beau in May he knew the window might close on the period of time he had to make decision and determine if his family was emotionally prepared for a campaign. time has passed for him to make a successful run for president but will speak out about the nation's future. "Unfortunately, I believe we're out of time," said Biden, adding that his family was ready for a campaign.

The Delaware native says he will have a voice in the 2016 presidential race. "While I will not be a candidate, I will not be silent," promised Biden, who did not endorse any candidate but praised Obama. "I believe that President Obama has led this nation from crisis to recovery, and we're now on the cusp of resurgence. I'm proud to have played a part in that," said Biden."This party, our nation, will be making a tragic mistake if we walk away or attempt to undo the Obama legacy."

He spoke about his dislike the influence of unlimited contributions on politics, called for expanding access to college educations and called on Democrats to recognize that while Republicans may be the opposition, they are "not our enemy."

Vermont Senator and Democrat candidate for President Bernie Sanders called Biden a "good friend" and thanked him for a "lifetime of public service."

Biden , 72, 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 finalizes the Democratic field of White House candidates and sets him on a glide path toward the end of his decades-long political career.

The Associated Press contributed to this report