PITTSBURGH — The calls of encouragement could be heard on nearly every block as Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. jogged his way through the Labor Day parade here.

There were chants from the steelworkers’ union marching behind him (“Run, Joe, run!”), shouts from onlookers (“Hope you run, Joe!”) and quiet pleas when Mr. Biden stopped long enough for a handshake, smile or selfie (“I’m sorry for your loss, and I look forward to your win,” said one man, referring to the recent death of Mr. Biden’s elder son, Beau).

But all the appeals went unanswered. The vice president, who has indicated he will decide later this month about whether to run for president, repeatedly responded with a word of thanks but no hint of what he may do.

Asked about the show of support, Mr. Biden at one point during the parade said, “It’s hope,” and later, alluding to his Scranton roots, said: “It’s home. It’s Pennsylvania.”