In a playful escalation of tensions, Michael Bloomberg's 2020 presidential campaign put out a video claiming the former New York City mayor had earned the endorsement of a prominent Democratic rival, Joe Biden.

"Joe Biden has dedicated his life to this country. As a senator, and as a vice president, he has always stood by the side of great men. We are honored to have Joe’s support," Bloomberg's staff said on Twitter Wednesday afternoon.

Joe Biden has dedicated his life to this country.



As a senator, and as a vice president, he has always stood by the side of great men.



We are honored to have Joe’s support. https://t.co/b8wjSbvuVO pic.twitter.com/PMqky0rXEC — Team Bloomberg (@Mike2020) February 19, 2020

Attached to the tweet was a video voiced over by Biden with the opening title, "This is what Joe Biden really thinks of Mike Bloomberg." In the 60-second spot, weaving in an old speech of Biden's, the two-term vice president praises Bloomberg for his "passion matched with principle" and his ability to prioritize "action" over "talk."

"Mike Bloomberg transformed the city of New York into a global leader," Biden says in the ad. "Your legacy extends beyond the five boroughs to a nation and a world that continues to benefit from the leadership that you have shown."

The video was distributed in response to an earlier tweet from Biden welcoming Bloomberg to the primary debate stage ahead of Wednesday night's event in Las Vegas. The debate is being held prior to Saturday's Nevada caucuses.

"We have a lot to catch up on about Barack Obama’s record," the former president's No. 2 wrote.

Biden and Bloomberg are vying for the center-left lane as they, along with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, lead a crowded field contesting the Democratic nomination.

Biden this week ramped up his attacks on Bloomberg, who is running a Super Tuesday-based White House bid and is climbing in national and state-based polls. In particular, he swung at Bloomberg for using some of the $400 million-plus of airtime he's bought since announcing his candidacy last November for a spot including excerpts of an Obama speech about the billionaire philanthropist, giving the appearance of an endorsement.