As we prepare to say goodbye (at least publicly) to one of the greatest bromances ever, Barack Obama and Joe Biden had one final tear-jerking moment for us. Today the President gave a speech thanking his Vice President for his service and sprang a surprise on Biden that left no eye in the house dry. The waterworks began as Obama delivered these words:
“He’s as good a man as god ever created. So Joe, for your faith in your fellow American, for your love of count, for your lifetime of service that will endure through the generation, I’d like to ask the military aides to join us on stage. For the final time as president, I am pleased to award our nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.”
Biden was clearly caught unaware, judging from the surprise on his face. He needed a moment to compose himself as tears welled up in his eyes. The tears were still present as Obama placed the medal around his neck.
Biden’s legacy as Vice President is as strong as we’ve ever experienced. After three decades in the Senate he worked to support American troops in Iraq, advocated against gun violence, and was instrumental in authorizing the Violence Against Women Act, among many other notable achievements. He also suffered great personal tragedy when he lost his son Beau to cancer in 2015, and used his position to push for more cancer research.
After the President was done speaking, Biden delivered these powerful and yet humble words to his friend:
“This honor is not only well beyond what I deserve, but it’s a reflection of the generosity of your spirit. I don’t deserve this. But I know it came from the president’s heart.”
We’ve watched Obama and Biden grow from political rivals, to allies, to close friends. Obama himself joked at the beginning of the press conference:
“This also gives the Internet one last chance to talk about our bromance.”
We wish it didn’t have to end. Thank you, Mr. President and Mr. Vice President.
Watch the touching moment here:
