Obama lavishes praise on Joe Biden — stops short of endorsement

I love you, man!

Barack Obama heaped praise on his former vice president Joe Biden as his former sidekick joined the 2020 presidential race.

“President Obama has long said that selecting Joe Biden as his running mate in 2008 was one of the best decisions he ever made,” Obama spokeswoman Katie Hill told Politico. “He relied on the Vice President’s knowledge, insight and judgment, throughout both campaigns and the entire presidency. The two forged a special bond over the last 10 years and remain close today.”

The one thing the ex-prez didn’t say? That he’s endorsing Uncle Joe.

Obama has praised the crowded Democratic field but has said he has no immediate plans to endorse anyone.

The former president remains wildly popular with the Democratic base and his nod would be a game-changer if he chooses to back any candidate.

Biden has sought to wrap himself in Obama’s mantle in an effort to solidify support among black voters, who revere Obama as the first black president.

It remains to be seen if Biden can reassemble Obama’s potent coalition of African Americans, other minorities and progressive white voters. He also boasts an ability to connect with working class whites in the Rust Belt, a key to Obama’s two presidential wins.