Sarasota, Florida (CNN) - Did Vice President Joe Biden court his first voter Wednesday for a possible 2016 presidential bid?
While he has previously hinted at a potential run, Biden smiled as he mentioned–perhaps jokingly–a White House run on the phone with a voter during a campaign stop at a Sarasota, Florida restaurant.
– Follow the Ticker on Twitter: @PoliticalTicker
– Check out the CNN Electoral Map and Calculator and game out your own strategy for November.
As he mingled with fans and supporters, one woman handed the vice president a cell phone at the event, urging Biden to speak with her brother, a Republican.
Biden took the phone, immediately saying: "I'll tell ya what, you may be a Republican but I love ya."
Wearing his trademark aviator sunglasses inside the restaurant, the former 36-year senator quickly got into a serious discussion with the relative about the health care law. A man standing nearby said, "I think he met his match," referring to the detailed conversation.
After nearly two minutes on the call, Biden moved to end the conversation. "Look, I'm not trying to talk you into voting for me, I just wanted to say hi to you."
"And after it's all over, when your insurance rates go down," he continued, "then you'll vote for me in 2016. I'll talk to you later."
It was unclear whether Biden was kidding or not, but a few supporters standing around him did not seem to laugh. One person, however, could be heard clapping at the 2016 remark.
The vice president moved on and continued to take photos with fans at the restaurant.
While Biden would be 73 in four years, the vice president stirred speculation last year when he left the door open to a 2016 campaign.
And his wife, Jill, fueled more rumors when she told NBC this summer that she wasn't sure whether "this is his last campaign."
"Joe would make a great president," she added.
From CNN Politics
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Work for us | Help
Until you read the man's story and learn about his life, you'll never understand how incredible Mr. Biden really is.
The only problem with Biden is he is only a heart attack away from being president
Joe Biden has finally lost his feeble mind. He should lay off the alcohol for a while and keep his mouth shut.
He is delusional
I think he is a long shot. If Obama loses in 2012, Biden will be at least third in line for 2016. If Obama wins, I think Hillary has better chances. Biden is kind of dense and seems mentally unstable to be president.
what a dreamer!
he better get readdy for a new profession as of Jan 2013!
I will leave the country if this guy gets elected – all the failed policies of Obama without the style – 500 trillion tax cuts eh?
Now this is funny...............and so delusional !!!! OMG step away from the kool-aid........
Biden as president is the absolute last thing this country needs..... period!
Joe Biden is a good man with a brilliant mind. His wife is right. He would make a great President. But given the choice, I will go with Hillary.
Sarah Palin will run and win big in 2016. The democratic party will go extinct and we will have an eternity of White Conservative Christian women Presidents.
73 years old by 2016? seems a little old to be running then. but I would rather vote for hillary in 2016. if she doesnt make it, then ill go for biden.
Too bad there will be nothing left of the US by 2016..
sorry but I vote for: DeGrasse Tyson – Nye 2016!!!!!
I don't think so! Jon Huntsman is going to run as a Democrat or as an independent in 2016 and he is going to carry either one of those vote. He is very liberal on his social views and far more fiscally conservative than President Obama. Best of both worlds for sure!!!!!
Will he survive his presidency? I mean. Anything that would get him after 2016 would be of natural causes.
Sure, Joe. You'll win the dog catcher job in a landslide!
@larbo really? What a pathetic waste of a citizen you are? Whether you like it or not, Amerrica voted for, Obama/ Biden. They are our current Pres. & VP. The.more you whine
Now it is official VP Biden has totally lost it. President?? he has to be joking.
Seriously, how many more gaffes does Joe Biden need to make before you start to wonder about his faculty, if he is fit to take over since he is next in line. In this speech in Florida, he talked to them as if he was in another state, which he had done before, he called senator Tim kane as Tom Kane., and more.
Problem is, he already thinks its 2016
Doesn't he realize he was poor choice in the first place.
In America, everyone claims they're not running for president, while spending three years touring Iowa and New Hampshire... because apparently they like boring small-towns. Then, about a year out, they "decide" they're running. Right. So, if Obama wins, Joe would be a sitting VP of a two-term president. It would seem sensible that he would run. What's wrong with that? Well, Hillary might disagree.
Even Niixon made a comeback after 1960. But Joe?
i have heard Democrat's say that Romney scarce them they should be petrified of Joe Biden as president