Perhaps this is just Biden being Biden, but his comments hint at huge news for Democrats and their hopes to maintain a sizable Senate majority. He speaks to a Delaware columnist:

Biden: “If you run into Beau, talk him into running; he respects you.”
Me: “I don’t think he wants to run, though.”
Biden: “I don’t think he does either. I know he doesn’t want to. . . . I’m so proud of the job he’s done [as attorney general].”
Me: “Would you campaign for him [against Republican Mike Castle]?”

Ordinarily, I’d snicker that one of the administration’s big guns in diplomacy and arm-twisting can’t convince his son to run for Senate, but I cannot begrudge Beau Biden one iota. It’s a lousy year for Democrats, he would have the “family dynasty” issue hanging over his head, and if Mike Castle wins, he won’t hold that seat forever. Other opportunities, in better years, abound.

UPDATE: I concur with Ed that the “retraction” makes no sense. Up until now, I had heard nothing indicating there was even a possibility that Sen. Ted Kaufman would run for reelection; if indeed Beau Biden has any interest in the job, why would Joe Biden be encouraging Kaufman to run?

The transcript from the Vice President’s office says Biden begins by saying “if Beau doesn’t run.” But I think that the fact that Biden is talking openly about that scenario suggests that it is becoming increasingly likely.