Former Vice President Joe Biden formally kicked off his 2020 presidential campaign on Thursday, ending months of speculation about whether or not he would jump into the crowded Democratic field.
What's next: Biden will make his first interview appearance as a 2020 candidate on ABC's "The View" on Friday morning. He's then set to head to Pittsburgh, Pa. for his first official campaign event early next week.
- The big picture: Biden's advisers told Axios' Mike Allen earlier this week that the former veep's campaign will kick off with a "climate of the nation" message that takes on President Trump but doesn't directly attack any of the other 2020 Democrats.
What they're saying: Former President Barack Obama's spokeswoman Katie Hill issued a statement upon Biden's entrance into the race:
"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."
Go deeper: Everything you need to know about Joe Biden