Politics & Government
Watch: President Obama Surprises A Teary Joe Biden With Medal Of Freedom
A prepared statement praised Biden and called him "one of the most consequential vice presidents in history."
President Obama surprised his vice president and close friend Joe Biden Thursday with a Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest government honor a civilian can be awarded.
As the president announced the award, Biden backed away in shock and turned away from the cameras, pulling out a handkerchief to wipe his eyes.
"For the first and only time in my presidency, I will bestow this medal with an additional level of veneration, an honor my three most recent successors reserved for only three others: Pope John Paul II, President Ronald Reagan and General Colin Powell," Obama said.
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"I am proud to award the Presidential Medal of Honor with distinction to my brother, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.," he said.
A prepared statement praised Biden's personal and professional accomplishments, calling him "one of the most consequential vice presidents in history."
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Watch the moment below:
Photo credit: Screenshot from ABC via YouTube
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