During a White House ceremony to celebrate the vice president on Thursday, President Barack Obama surprised Joe Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award. He began his remarks by praising Biden, his wife Dr. Jill Biden, his children and grandchildren.
“For my final time as president, I am pleased to award our nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, President Obama announced.
“If you can’t admire Joe Biden as a person you’ve got a problem…he’s as good a man as god ever created,” he said.
Biden, who was utterly surprised, got emotional during his acceptance as he thanked him for the honor.
Joe Biden turned around to wipe tears from his eyes after President Obama surprised him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom pic.twitter.com/O1WN67yrBH
— BuzzFeed (@BuzzFeed) January 12, 2017
Watch: President Obama surprised VP Biden by awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom today at the White House https://t.co/Vbvbrvk3zx pic.twitter.com/gHzZo50th4
— PBS NewsHour (@NewsHour) January 12, 2017
“Mr. President, this honor isn’t only well beyond what I deserve, but a reflection of the extent and generosity of your spirit,” Biden said.
As he concluded his acceptance speech, he commended Obama “who has done remarkable things for this country” and how his “journey is something people will write about for a long time.”
Of course, the internet couldn’t take it.
if ur bff doesnt make u feel the way obama makes joe biden feel get a new one
— emily kuebler™ (@em99ranch) January 12, 2017
Things that make me sob:
— Michael Waters (@ABoredAuthor) January 12, 2017
• when a beloved dog dies
• when Joe Biden does literally anything
Awww Joe 😰😰😰 https://t.co/EPR3od8AS6
— Reagan Gomez (@ReaganGomez) January 12, 2017
We’re going to miss these two.