Story highlights "If I can reach that conclusion that we can do it in a fashion that would still make it viable, I would not hesitate to do it," Biden said

Weighing heavily on Biden as he considers his 2016 prospects is the death of his son Beau Biden

Washington (CNN) Vice President Joe Biden said Thursday that he "would not hesitate" to run for president if he concludes that he can launch a "viable" campaign and that his family can make it through a presidential bid following the recent death of his son.

"If I can reach that conclusion that we can do it in a fashion that would still make it viable, I would not hesitate to do it," Biden said at Ahavath Achim Synagogue in Atlanta.

Biden said he was still gauging his family's "emotional energy" to join the race, calling it "the most relevant factor" in his decision-making process.

The comments are Biden's first public remarks about the potential for a 2016 run since reports have surfaced that he is seriously weighing a presidential bid. He spoke about his prospects when he took questions from attendees after his speech, which largely focused on foreign policy, and the 2016 inquiry was the first question asked.

"I will be straightforward with you. The most relevant factor in my decision is whether my family and I have the emotional energy to run," Biden told the crowd. "The honest to God answer is I just don't know."

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