Joe Biden’s Greatest 2020 Strength—and Biggest Weakness

It appears increasingly likely that the 2020 Democratic primary field will be the most wide open in recent memory, and perhaps in the history of American politics. As candidates prepare to announce presidential bids, there are already arguments being made as to the strengths and weaknesses of those expected to enter the field.

The Daily Beast spoke with opposition researchers and operatives in both parties to get a sense of what they think will prove helpful and harmful for a number of candidates. These are the individuals whose job it is to understand and exploit the vulnerabilities of those running for office. All of them cautioned that their perspectives were not the same as predictions. They also noted that the serious digging has yet to truly begin: when people in their line of work begin studying everything from voting records to court documents to financial transactions.

But they still had insights to share, which The Daily Beast will be presenting in a multi-part series. Today, we look at former Vice President Joe Biden, who is regarded as one of the most formidable candidates in the field and who brings with him both a wealth of political experience and, relatedly, a history of potentially problematic votes.