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

Former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE (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.”

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Biden in the call acknowledged he had consulted with former President Barack ObamaBarack Hussein ObamaHarris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk Five ways America would take a hard left under Joe Biden Valerie Jarrett: ‘Democracy depends upon having law enforcement’ MORE 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.”

Biden has emerged as the clear frontrunner for the Democratic nomination in recent weeks following sweeping victories on Super Tuesday and in later contests. He now leads his only remaining competitor, Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersThe Hill’s 12:30 Report: Milley apologizes for church photo-op Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness MORE (I-Vt.), in most polls of remaining primary states.

Along with Sanders, Biden has been forced from the campaign trail in recent days due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, instead opting for virtual campaign events such as Sunday’s phone call.