Former US vice president Joe Biden says 'very close' to announcing if he runs for president

Former US vice president Joe Biden said Friday he was on the cusp of announcing his 2020 plans, acknowledging he was watching his words carefully so as not to "start the clock" on a presidential campaign.

"I am very close to making a decision to stand before you all relatively soon," Biden, who is polling as the frontrunner despite not officially being in the race, told reporters after addressing union workers in Washington.

"Even if I knew for certain that I was going to run for president back in Thanksgiving, my intention from the beginning, if I were to run, would be the last person to announce," Biden added.

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Biden was hit last week with an accusation by former Nevada state lawmaker Lucy Flores, who recalled being "mortified" when he planted a "big, slow kiss" on the back of her head as she waited to take the stage at a campaign rally five years ago.

Biden has had a reputation for awkwardly touching the wives, mothers or daughters of senators during swearing-in ceremonies.