After the Democrat debate last week, the window of opportunity for Joe Biden to jump into the race seems to be closing. If Hillary Clinton had blown the debate, the chorus for Biden to run would have been deafening. But with the softball snoozefest that it really was, Hillary made a strong enough showing that Biden’s hand is now forced. He really needs to make up his mind immediately.

CNN is reporting that Biden has already secured some significant backing if he makes the leap.

Harold A. Schaitberger, the president of the powerful International Association of Fire Fighters, spoke Friday morning with Vice President Joe Biden, who strongly indicated in the phone conversation that he is planning to run for president, a source familiar with the discussion said.

The IAFF is one of the most influential labor groups in the U.S. Biden is especially close to labor, which could be a key constituency for him if he seeks the White House.

Schaitberger declined to comment on the call, saying he does not discuss private conversations. But the source said Biden talked about campaign strategy with Schaitberger and indicated a final decision on whether he would run for president is imminent.

However, at this late date, Biden is going to have a lot of ground to make up.

One challenge Biden will face is in the fundraising arena. Clinton and Sanders raised nearly $30 million in the last quarter each. They’ve used that money to build a campaign team, travel around the country campaigning and raise money. And more importantly, they have a total of $60 million cash on hand — a good chunk of change, especially compared to Biden’s empty purse.

Biden also has logistical challenges. Each state posts different requirements for even getting a candidate’s name on the ballot for the primary. Requirements include fees, signatures, statements, and sometimes all three. It takes teams of lawyers and advisers to figure it out and get it right. And he’s running out of time. The first filing deadline is Georgia’s, which is October 29. Quickly following is Alabama, Arkansas, Michigan and Florida — all of which take place before December.

Biden has already tested the waters and found support. Even with Hillary’s performance last Tuesday and the momentum that Bernie Sanders has, Biden could take support and votes from both of them easily. We are only waiting to see if Biden believes more in party unity, or in Joe Biden’s chance to be president.