Clinton: Biden ‘a great man’

by Jesse Byrnes - 10/21/15 1:36 PM ET

Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden — Getty Images

Hillary Clinton praised Joe Biden on Wednesday after the vice president announced he would not launch a campaign to challenge her for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Clinton tweeted that she is inspired by Biden’s “optimism and commitment to change the world for the better.”

.@VP is a good friend and a great man. Today and always, inspired by his optimism and commitment to change the world for the better. -H

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 21, 2015

“Like millions of others, I admire his devotion to family, his grace in grief, his grit and determination on behalf of the middle class, and his unyielding faith in America’s promise,” Clinton said in a statement issued shortly after the tweet was sent.

Biden delayed announcing a decision about a White House bid for months as he and his family continued to grieve the loss of his son, Beau, who died from brain cancer in May.

Clinton noted that Biden has stood by President Obama “for every pivotal decision,” including the auto industry bailout and economic recovery, along with a push for a higher minimum wage.

“It’s a record to be proud of, defend, and build on,” Clinton said. “And I am confident that history isn’t finished with Joe Biden.”

Clinton also alluded to Biden’s support down the road.

“As he said today, there is more work to do. And if I know Joe, he will always be on the front-lines, always fighting for all of us,” Clinton said.

Even as he announced he would not be a candidate, Biden took a shot at Clinton, who at last week’s debate jokingly described Republicans as her enemies.

Biden said it was “naive” to believe that Republicans are the enemy.

“I believe that we have to end the divisive partisan politics that is ripping this country apart,” Biden said. “And for the sake of the country, we have to work together.”

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt), another Democratic candidate who has drawn close in the polls with Clinton in the early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire, also thanked Biden.

“Joe Biden, a good friend, has made the decision that he feels is best for himself, his family and the country. I thank the vice president for a lifetime of public service and for all that he has done for our nation,” Sanders said in a statement before praising Biden’s remarks on the middle class.

Tags Bernie Sanders Democratic presidential race Hillary Clinton Joe Biden