Biden Draws the Spotlight in Iowa

High-Profile Speech Stirs 2016 Talk as Clinton, Other Democrats Wait in the Wings..

Fueling speculation that he isn’t ready to call it a career when his term ends, Vice President Joe Biden spoke Sunday to Iowa Democrats at a fundraiser that has become a national stage for many White House aspirants.

Mr. Biden used the 36th edition of Sen. Tom Harkin’s annual steak fry to trumpet what he called the administration’s laser focus on strengthening the middle class, delivering a campaign-style recounting of what he and President Barack Obama have accomplished. And while he made no mention of future political plans, the vice president described the work of the past 4 1/2 years as a team effort.

Mr. Biden’s Iowa appearance triggered a new round of tea-leaf reading about whether he will mount another White House bid in 2016. On Sunday, he waved off a question about his political future, saying he was focused on the midterm elections.

Mr. Biden’s friends say he hasn’t made a decision, and the vice president himself has said he could die a happy man without being president—but that doesn’t mean he won’t run.

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