Biden says he will start vetting process for VP pick 'in a matter of weeks'

[left-of-center2012]

Former Vice President Joe Biden (D) said Sunday that he would begin the process of searching for a vice presidential candidate in a few weeks as he cements his lead as the frontrunner in the Democratic primary race for the White House.

In comments to reporters during a phone call with members of the media and supporters, the former vice president said that he was looking at a minimum of "six or seven" possible candidates for the position.

“I have to start that vetting process relatively soon, meaning in a matter of weeks," Biden said. "I think there will be a group that is in excess of six or seven people that I look at – because those background checks matter."

Biden in the call acknowledged he had consulted with former President Barack Obama about his possible pick. During a debate earlier in the month, Biden pledged to pick a woman as his vice president.

But I think there are plenty of women who are ready, been tested out there who are capable of answering all those questions," he told reporters. "And the most important thing, and I've actually talked to Barack about this -- the most important thing is that there has to be someone who, the day after they’re picked, is prepared to be President of the United States of America if something happened.”

https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/488939-biden-says-he-will-start-vetting-process-for-vp-pick-in-a-matter-of-weeks