US Vice President Joe Biden has proven his mettle within the Obama administration, and according to an article in the Los Angeles Times, he may be setting his sights on contesting the presidential elections in 2016.

"Biden's ambitions go beyond serving as an influential vice president. He doesn't necessarily believe his political career has peaked. Aides said he might go for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016. He would be 74 upon taking office, but his staff insists that's not too old," the article in the paper says.

The vice president has taken an active role in foreign policy debates and on issues that are central to the administration -- most notably, he has been one of the biggest advocates of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, otherwise known as the economic stimulus plan, which was passed and signed by President Obama in February, reports CBS.

While he is well known for his verbal gaffes that have already put the Obama administration in some awkward positions, the Times reports the vice president has made great use of his deep knowledge of certain issues like foreign policy questions, as well as his strong personal relationships.

Biden reportedly has kept his old locker at the Senate gym and has maintained friendships in the Senate by inviting members to his home.

Biden is also reportedly working on his personal relationship with Obama and was disappointed to learn he could not give the president a Nintendo Wii for his birthday, since the Obama daughters already have one. He instead purchased him a golf range finder.