Washington, Mar 17 (IANS): Former US Vice President Joe Biden "mistankenly" announced he was running for President at a Democratic Party fundraising dinner in home turf Delaware, but earned an encouraging response from the gathering.

"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 on Saturday night event.

"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, CNN reported.

Biden's appearance in Delaware comes as he's nearing a decision about a 2020 run. he 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.

At the dinner, Biden offered a possible preview of a presidential campaign message, arguing the country is engaged in a "battle for the soul of America".

If Biden jumps into the fray, he would be taking part in an increasingly crowded race - as 15 other Democrats have already declared their bids.

They include Senators Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris and Bernie Sanders, who ran against Hillary Clinton in 2016. Former Texas Congressman Beto O'Rourke joined the race last week.