Joe Biden Opens the Door for 2016 Presidential Bid

Speaking to CNNs Candy Crowley on Sunday, Vice President Joe Biden said his chief political task was to get President Barack Obama re-elected in 2012 -- but he left the door open for making a third bid for the White House in 2016.

I wonder when you look around, if you ever thought, Umh, four more years, 2016. Have you totally ruled that out in your head? asked Crowley. You tried two times to run for president.

My one focus now is getting the president re-elected, insisted Biden. That is the focus. And I'll make up my mind on that later. I'm probably in the best shape I've been in my life. Im doing pretty well. I'm enjoying what I'm doing and as long as I do, I'm going to continue to do it. Well find out. Let's get the president re-elected.

OK, but possibility, you're not closing that door? asked Crowley.

I'm not closing anything, replied Biden.

History provides little comfort for Biden. With the exception of George H.W. Bush in 1988, the last sitting vice president to win the White House was Martin Van Buren in 1836, though both Al Gore and Richard Nixon went on to win their partys nominations in 2000 and 1960. With the exception of Nixons comeback in 1968, former vice presidents have generally not done well in presidential elections -- Walter Mondale was buried by Ronald Reagan in 1984 and Dan Quayles bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 2000 did not even get to Iowa.