Joe Biden is not the best person to take on Donald Trump

JOE BIDEN was first off a flight from Burlington to Philadelphia the other day. Lexington was second, which afforded him a rare moment to observe the former vice-president in the solitude of an empty jetway. Perhaps Mr Biden knew he was being spied on. Perhaps he always expects to be, after half a century in frontline politics. Even so, to watch the stiff-legged 76-year-old stoop to pick up someone’s empty soda bottle and transport it, softly tutting to himself, to the nearest rubbish bin was to glimpse a modesty and diligence not obvious in American government these days.

His reputation for being a good guy has helped make “Uncle Joe” a hugely popular figure on the left. Recent polls make him the favourite for the next Democratic presidential ticket. The latest for CNN gives him 30% of the Democratic vote, with his closest rival, Senator Bernie Sanders, trailing on 14%. Mr Biden, who had been speaking in Burlington on a book he published last year, “Promise Me, Dad”, says he will decide whether to embark on his third run for president over Christmas. Having visited 31 states this year, he is clearly tempted to. It would be a mistake if he did.