President Barack Obama on Thursday refused to speculate which Democratic colleague, Vice President Joe Biden or Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, would make a better candidate in 2016.
Asked to compare and contrast the two in an interview that aired Thursday night with MSNBC Hardball’s Chris Matthews, Obama said “not a chance am I goin’ there.”
“Here’s what I’ll say. Both Hillary and Joe– would make outstanding presidents– and possess the qualities that are needed– to be– outstanding presidents,” Obama said according to a transcript of the interview. “They– I think Joe Biden will go down in history as one of the best vice presidents– ever. And he has been with me, at my side, in every tough decision that I’ve made from– goin’ after Bin Laden to– dealin’ with the health care issues to, you name it, he’s been there.”
“Hillary, I think will go down in history as one of the finest secretaries of state we’ve ever had,” Obama continued. “And helped to transition us away from a deep hole that we were in when– I first came into office– around the world. And to rebuild confidence and trust in the United States. And they’ve got they’ve got different strengths, but both of them would– would be outstanding. I’d say that the most important qualities- of any president (and I’m not necessarily saying I have these qualities, ’cause I’m speakin’ historically)– I think has to do wit more than anything a sense of connection with the American people.”