Biden's emotions surface during visit in Greensburg, PA

[lolamio]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08269/915002-100.stm

Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. was uncharacteristically at a loss for words this morning as an introduction from Steelers' owner Dan Rooney brought back memories of a bright interlude in a painful time.

On a campaign stop at Greensburg Salem High School, Mr. Biden was introduced by Mr. Rooney, whose presence reminded the vice presidential candidate of the tragic December 1972 accident when his wife and daughter were killed and his two young sons seriously injured in a car accident shortly after his election to the Senate.

Mr. Biden paused, wiped his eyes and, at one point turned away from the crowd for a long moment, as he told a story of his vigil at the sons' hospital room. He said he had left his sons to go out and buy a Christmas tree. When he returned they each had an autographed football.

I am continually impressed by Biden's honesty and how genuine he is. I know the story of his first wife and baby daughter's death, but it's easy to forget that he suffered the most unimaginable loss ever. He is true class. God love ya', Joe.

[tosh]

1. Beautiful story. Thanks, lolamio.

[rvablue]

2. This explains him tearing up the other day

at the Football Hall of Fame.
They were kind of mocking it as a "gaffe" on TV.
I just didn't get it -- know it makes sense. Reminded him of this memory in some way.
I love Joe Biden and I think the press get it so wrong when they try to equate his "gaffes" with those of McCain and Palin.
It's like Biden's are "slips of the heart" while McCain and Palin's are "slips of the mind, or lack of knowledge, or temper"

[Jennicut]

4. Slips of the mind is right. McLiar's brain is fried.

And Joe is a great guy.

[BrklynLiberal]

6. Perfect description.."a slip of the heart" vs "a slip of the mind"

Joe Biden seems like an intelligent honest person. I believe he would be great as VP..

[AFSCME girl]

3. Aw, this is really nice.

Thanks for posting, lolamio. :hi:

[blogslut]

5. The pain never goes away

There's always something to remind us of our loss.

[hamsterjill]

7. Nope it never leaves

And it takes a person who is secure within himself/herself to allow the pain to show.

You can instantly tell the real emotions (i.e., Biden) from the hyped stuff (i.e., when McCain talks about former POW's, etc.)