Biden breaks down after Obama surprises him with Medal of Freedom
13 Jan 2017 9:55 AM IST13 Jan 2017 9:55 AM IST
Biden turned away from the cameras, wiped away some tears, then stood stoically as Obama draped the blue-and-white ribbon around his neck.
At the dusk of both of their political careers, surrounded by teary friends and family, President Barack Obama on Thursday bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Joe Biden, the man he called, 'the finest vice president we have ever seen'.- One week out from the Obama administration's end, a deep sense of nostalgia set in at the White House as longtime staffers pack up their offices, send out their last emails and bid farewell to the president they've served.
- I had no idea, Biden said of the award, insisting he didn't deserve it.
- It was the only time Obama has presented the medal \"with distinction,\" also awarded only once by each of the previous three presidents.
- I just hope that the asterisk in history that is attached to my name when they talk about this presidency is that I can say I was part of the journey of a remarkable man who did remarkable things for this country, Biden said.
- There were standing ovations, several of them at what had been billed as a modest farewell ceremony for Biden but evolved into a surprise bestowal of the Medal of Freedom, the last time Obama will present the honour.
- Biden turned away from the cameras, wiped away some tears, then stood stoically as Obama draped the blue-and-white ribbon around his neck.
- The vice president winced in shock as Obama announced he was conferring the nation's highest civil honour on his right-hand-man for eight years.
At the dusk of both of their political careers, surrounded by teary friends and family, President Barack Obama on Thursday bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Joe Biden, the man he called, \'the finest vice president we have ever seen\'.
Biden turned away from the cameras, wiped away some tears, then stood stoically as Obama draped the blue-and-white ribbon around his neck.
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