Run Intended? Joe Biden 'Accidentally' Announces 2020 Presidential Bid

Speaking at a dinner for the Delaware Democratic Party on Saturday, Biden praised his own record at the Democratic Party.

"I know I get criticised. I'm told I get criticised by the new left. I have the most progressive record of anybody running for the United… anybody who would run," he quickly walked back, drawing a round of cheers and applause from the audience.

"Of anybody who would run," he repeated, making a sign of the cross.

The 76-year-old went on to deliver what one would describe as a Democratic candidate-style speech; he criticised Donald Trump for stoking division and anger and noted that next year's election will be the most important vote in a century.

"We're living in the battle for the soul of America," he said. "We have an overwhelming need to restore the backbone of America."

On Tuesday, he stirred up speculation that he would run in 2020 at a conference of firefighters in Washington, DC, who met him with a standing ovation and chants of "Run, Joe, run!"

READ MORE: Biden Plans to Focus on Infrastructure Reform in 2020 Election Bid – Reports

"Save it a little longer," he told his supporters. "I may need it in a few weeks."

A CNN presidential poll in Iowa revealed last week that Biden, with 27 per cent, was leading the pack of possible Democratic contenders, with Bernie Sanders securing 25 per cent of the votes and other candidates earning less than 10 per cent of support.

Earlier this month, Hillary Clinton ruled out a third presidential run.

Meanwhile, over a dozen Democrats have entered the presidential race, with the latest being Texas Rep. Beto O'Rourke. Other potential nominees include senators Bernie Sanders, Amy Klobuchar, Kirsten Gillibrand, Kamala Harris, Cory Booker and Elizabeth Warren, former Colorado governor John Hickenlooper, and former housing secretary Julian Castro.