Biden defends working with Republicans ahead of possible 2020 bid

"I read in the New York Times today that one of my problems if I were to run for president, I like Republicans. OK, well, bless me father for I have sinned," Biden said as he made the sign of the cross while speaking to the United States Conference of Mayors. "From where I come from, I don't know how you get anything done. I don't know how you get anything done unless we start talking to one another again."

Biden's defense of bipartisanship offers a preview of a possible message the former vice president could embrace should he run for president in 2020. Biden often touts his work reaching across the aisle during his 36 years in the Senate as well as his two terms as vice president under President Barack Obama.

But Biden has faced criticism from some Democrats for his willingness to praise Republicans. The New York Times reported Wednesday that some local Democratic officials in Michigan were frustrated and felt betrayed after Biden heaped praise on Republican Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan during a paid speech in his district just weeks before the election without endorsing his Democratic opponent.

"Fred Upton, I went out and spoke at an event and he was there, and I praised him, and he was in the race, but I praised him about the fight against cancer. His vote and his ability to join me," Biden said, referring to the 21st Century Cures Act, which Upton helped craft. "He stepped up. He and three other Republicans stepped up and helped us pass it. And so I acknowledged it, and now I'm, I don't know what I am."

As he addressed the conference of mayors on Thursday, Biden lamented the dysfunctional nature of Washington, DC, and stressed the vital role local officials play.

"This is a pretty dysfunctional town to state the obvious. I know that's a shock to hear somebody say that," he said. "But here's the deal the more dysfunctional this town has become the more consequential local officials become. Not a joke, it's reality. It's reality. All the innovation in America is coming from the governors, the mayors, the county executives. It's coming up. It literally is bubbling up."

He added it's important for the federal government to work with local officials, saying "It's like we've divided the country into pieces. How can we be one America if we continue down this road? I don't care what your party affiliation is."