Joe Biden says he asked Obama not to endorse him in 2020 Democrat primary race

‘Whoever wins this nomination should win it on their own merit,’ says former US vice president

Joe Biden has said he asked former US president Barack Obama not to endorse his presidential campaign because whoever wins should do so “on their own merit”.

“I asked President Obama not to endorse. Whoever wins this nomination should win it on their own merit,” the former vice president told reporters in Wilmington, Delaware, on Thursday.

When asked what made him the best choice for the Democrats, he fired back: “That will be for the Democrats to decide.”

The 76-year-old’s comments came after Mr Obama released a statement praising Mr Biden, who announced he was joining the race for the Democratic nomination on Thursday.

A spokeswoman for the former US president said: “President Obama has long said that selecting Joe Biden as his running mate in 2008 was one of the best decisions he ever made.

“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.”

Then-US vice president Joe Biden jokes with Barack Obama in 2015 (Getty)

Mr Biden, who immediately became a frontrunner alongside Vermont senator Bernie Saunders, declared the “soul of the nation” would be at stake if Donald Trump was re-elected.

In a video posted on Twitter, Mr Biden focused on the 2017 deadly clash between white supremacists and counter-protesters in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Mr Biden noted Mr Trump’s comments that there were some “very fine people” on both sides of the violent encounter, which left one woman dead.

“We are in the battle for the soul of this nation,” he said. “If we give Donald Trump eight years in the White House, he will forever and fundamentally alter the character of this nation – who we are.

“I cannot stand by and watch that happen.”

Mr Trump was quick to hit back, dubbing Mr Biden “Sleepy Joe”.

He tweeted: “I only hope you have the intelligence, long in doubt, to wage a successful primary campaign.

“It will be nasty – you will be dealing with people who truly have some very sick & demented ideas. But if you make it, I will see you at the Starting Gate!”