As Rumors Fly About His Future, Joe Biden Hits the Road

Vice President Joe Biden today embarked on a series of public and private stops from the Southeast to the Rust Belt between now and Labor Day that may provide him key feedback on how much appetite exists in the Democratic Party for him to challenge Hillary Clinton for the nomination.

In his first political road trips since speculation heated up that he will run for president, Biden will be promoting President Barack Obama's policies and raising money for other Democrats. People familiar with his schedule said he isn't setting up separate donor meetings related to his own possible run. Still, the vice president's itinerary will connect him with hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of players whose reactions to him may shape whether he decides to get into the race. In coming days, Biden will be in front of Jewish activists, Florida donors, young voters and organized labor—all key Democratic constituencies.