Biden, Rubio and Palin's 2016 plans

CNN ^ | January 25, 2015 | John King, Chief National Correspondent

[2ndDivisionVet]

(VIDEO-AT-LINK)

The 2016 calculations of three potential candidates -- two Republicans and a very senior Democrat -- plus big tests for President Obama and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell filled our Sunday trip around the "Inside Politics" table.

1. Rubio's not in Iowa, but still thinking 2016

Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida skipped the big weekend GOP gathering in Iowa, and some believe Jeb Bush's presumed candidacy makes it hard for Rubio to find his 2016 footing.

But Jonathan Martin of The New York Times shared reporting on how Rubio is still very interested in running, and hopeful that perhaps the interest from Mitt Romney offers him a new place in the growing GOP field.

"One of the things that is really keeping him intrigued by this race is the possibility that Mitt Romney will run," said Martin. "If you have a Jeb Bush and Mitt Romney scenario, that could open up a door for Rubio because it divides the center right and also it makes Rubio look more conservative, less establishment."

2. The VP tells TV anchors -- but not activists -- he's still in the game

No offense to TV anchors, but what a politician says during a morning show interview may not tell you as much as what he or she says -- or doesn't say -- once the camera stops rolling.

A case in point just might be Vice President Joe Biden, who told ABC News the other day he is still thinking about another run for president in 2016, notwithstanding polls showing Hillary Clinton with an overwhelming advantage among Democrats.

The Atlantic's Molly Ball, however, says she went looking for evidence the VP is doing the work necessary to actually run and, well, she's still looking....

[arthurus]

big tests for President Obama and his Senate ally Majority Leader Mitch McConnell

[Fraxinus]

Palin needs to make a convincing explanation why she did not run in 2012, when she could have cleared the Republican field.

I believe Joe Biden sincerely sees a future president when he looks in the mirror, I just doubt very many other people see one when they look at him.

[11th Commandment]

I like Marco Rubio. I realize that he ticked me and many off with his Immigration Bill, but he was clearly duped by the GOPe to get an hispanic on the bill. When it went to the house and was torn apart as the fraud it was, I really believe Rubio learned a lesson. I hope he does not trust the GOPe.

I also like Walker and the one on the few that like Bobby Jindal.

I like Cruz, but I can not visualize him being effective on the campaign trail- he is more of a general for the special forces.

I am growing tired of Rand Paul as he is displaying the naive side of the Libertarian Party and the arrogance of his father.