Biden to keynote Human Rights Campaign gala

Vice President Biden will headline a gala dinner for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) next week, the nation’s largest gay rights organization.

Biden’s planned Oct. 3 keynote address before the HRC and its guests comes amid speculation he might seek the presidency in 2016.

“Vice President Biden has stood up for the rights of all Americans to live their lives free of discrimination and fear throughout his remarkable career, and he’s a true champion of LGBT equality,” HRC President Chad Griffin said in a statement.

{mosads}Announced Friday, Biden is headlining the group’s event, expected to draw more than 3,000 supporters of LGBT rights, over former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Clinton is addressing the HRC’s board members, advisers and staffers during a morning session the same day.

Her audience is expected to draw approximately 800 listeners, the group says.

Biden will appear alongside a host of prominent entertainers during his address a week from Saturday.

Former NBA player Jason Collins, the first openly gay athlete in any of the four major U.S. professional sports leagues, is another Human Rights Campaign guest. And actress Ellen Page is set to receive an award for her activism, presented by “The West Wing” star Allison Janney.

Rumors have circulated all summer that Biden is weighing a third Oval Office bid following unsuccessful attempts in 1988 and 2008.

Reports emerged in May that shortly before his death from brain cancer, Biden’s son Beau Biden encouraged his father to make one final attempt at the White House.

Multiple national polls indicate voters are enthusiastic about a possible Biden campaign next election cycle.

Biden ranks third out of seven declared and possible Democratic presidential candidates with 20.8 percent, according to the latest RealClearPolitics average of samplings.

Clinton, meanwhile, is presently the party’s front-runner with 40.5 percent voter support.