Sources close to Biden expect him to enter the race, but they say he is trying to get his fundraising in line in an effort to start strong out of the gates.

“It’s a priority,” said one Biden ally, who is familiar with the former vice president’s planning. “If you don’t have a good second quarter showing that could be problematic.”

Biden has been making the rounds in recent weeks, calling donor after donor to earn their support.

The former vice president has a pitch: He explains how he intends to win in a competitive Democratic Party and then go on to beat President Trump in the 2020 general election. Biden talks about the midterms and how he was the only surrogate for candidates who could campaign in both blue and red states.