(CNN) As his 2020 decision looms, former Vice President Joe Biden walked right up to the edge of declaring a presidential run Saturday night in front of an encouraging home state crowd.

"I get criticized by the new left. I have the most progressive record of anybody running for the United ... anybody who would run," Biden said, catching himself at a Delaware Democratic Party fundraising dinner. "I didn't mean ... Of anybody who would run! Because folks, we have to bring this country back together again."

The line drew a raucous response from the Biden-friendly crowd.

Biden's appearance in Delaware comes as he's nearing a decision about a 2020 run. Biden has indicated to friends it's "all but certain" he'll run, and those familiar with discussions say an announcement could come as soon as April.

Back on his home turf in Delaware, Biden offered a possible preview of a presidential campaign message -- arguing the country is engaged in a "battle for the soul of America."

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