LOS ANGELES (AP) — In any other year, a pair of speeches by Vice President Joe Biden on transportation and sexual assault would raise few eyebrows in the political world. This isn't any other year.

Biden's visits Thursday to Michigan and Ohio are being closely watched for signs he's gauging his support in two battleground states that play key roles in presidential elections. As he considers entering the 2016 presidential race, Biden's usual vice presidential appearances have taken on the air of campaign stops, with supporters cheering "Run, Biden, Run," at nearly every stop.

In Detroit, Biden was to join Mayor Mike Duggan to highlight recent improvements in the city's bus system.

He planned later to visit The Ohio State University in Columbus to tout federal efforts to prevent sexual assault on college campuses.

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