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For Biden, no respite from the 2016 spotlight

Vice President Joe Biden speaks at the Solar Power International Trade Show in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015. Taking aim at his potential political opponents, Biden railed against Republicans who "deny climate change" and want to shut down the federal government over funding for Planned Parenthood, and pleaded with them to "just get out of the way." (AP Photo/Christine Cotter) Vice President Joe Biden speaks at the Solar Power International Trade Show in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015. Taking aim at his potential political opponents, Biden railed against Republicans who "deny climate change" and want to shut down the federal government over funding for Planned Parenthood, and pleaded with them to "just get out of the way." (AP Photo/Christine Cotter)

By Associated Press September 17, 2015 1 min read

LOS ANGELES (AP) – In any other year, a pair of speeches by Vice President Joe Biden on transportation and sexual assault would raise few eyebrows in the political world. This isn’t any other year.

Biden’s visits Thursday to Michigan and Ohio are being closely watched for signs he’s gauging his support in two battleground states that play key roles in presidential elections. As he considers entering the 2016 presidential race, Biden’s usual vice presidential appearances have taken on the air of campaign stops, with supporters cheering “Run, Biden, Run,” at nearly every stop.

In Detroit, Biden was to join Mayor Mike Duggan to highlight recent improvements in the city’s bus system.

He planned later to visit The Ohio State University in Columbus to tout federal efforts to prevent sexual assault on college campuses.