WASHINGTON (AP) -- Joe Biden appears to be keeping his options open for 2016.
The vice president is dropping hints that he may be laying groundwork for a presidential campaign.
He packed his schedule with events and receptions attended by party insiders surrounding President Barack Obama's inauguration.
Biden met with Democratic National Committee members during a private reception Tuesday. New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan was among the guests at Biden's swearing-in ceremony, and the vice president dropped by an Iowa inaugural ball. Both states are important in early presidential voting.
Biden told CNN there were a lot of reasons he wouldn't run and said he was focused on helping Obama.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton remains a heavy favorite for the Democratic presidential nomination if she decides to run.
Biden has a law degree from Syracuse University and spoke at SU's 2009 commencement ceremony.
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