You really will need to listen to Ashley and Hunter Biden’s words. They were heartfelt, personal and wonderful. But, they’ll make you cry all over again. It was clear listening to them that Joe Biden has raised a wonderful family, and that Beau Biden’s loss will be a body blow to this family - he really seems to have been their captain. Very sad loss.
Hunter Biden says @:44 mark, “…Mr President you know how much he loved you. Thank you for all that you”ve done for our family…Michelle, particularly these difficult days…That was an incredible tribute, thank you….” Oh my water woks kicked in major big time when he said these words.
To me, they are the total embodiment of what good human beings are. They are the marks of good, decent, genuine men and human beings. They are exactly who I want my own children to emulate…
Agree, df. Today, though I’ve felt very strong feelings for both of them and their families, during the ceremony I realized, viscerally, that I love them as if they were my brothers. I’ve never felt that way before about any person that I’ve never met, and have only felt those feelings toward a couple of non-family members whom I’ve known for decades.
Listening to the commentators on MSNBC…they seem to *finally* get that there is a special relationship - a special bond — between President Obama and Vice-President Biden. Paraphrasing their commentary, a bond unlike any they know of between a Pres and VP in history.
Bringing this from last thread…..you and I on the same page:
Funny, our media. Switched to MSNBC after WH feed left. On air hosts speaking about the closeness displayed between PBO and VP. Never in recent history such a close relationship, according to the speakers. But, hey, we already KNEW how close they are. It’s their cynicism which keeps them unaware of what we already get. I am grateful we have these 2 as our leaders. All followers may pale in comparison if they haven’t learned anything from this day. Good day, TOD.
I have to agree though that I can’t remember any previous Presidents/Vice-Presidents that have the sort of relationship — both working and personal — as our POTUS and VPOTUS. When other Presidents and Vice-Presidents seem to go their separate ways at their term is over, President Obama and VP Biden AND their families will continue to be an extended family.
I started to choke up when Hunter told the story when they were in the hospital as toddlers. Both of my brothers are one year and 3 days apart. John was with my Mom when she passed away. I am dreading the day when John will no longer be here.
As devastating as burying #Beau has been for the Biden family, was really impressed by Ashley and Hunter’s eulogies — so heartfelt and real.
Very sad for Hailie, Natalie and Hunter, but they are embraced by the most amazing family.
How many of us wish we had an Uncle Hunter and Aunt Ashley to be there for us after this shattering loss?
A personal observation, and may be completely off-base… know nothing about Catholic traditions — but Beau’s wife Hailie was dressed in white, his daughter Natalie in black and white stripes… so that they would stand out in the crowd and be immediately visible to Beau’s spirit?
I too was impressed with Hunter and Ashley’s eulogies. They opened their hears to us all about their relationship with Beau Biden and how Beau looked out for everyone. I especially liked Hunter’s assurance to Natalie and young Hunter that their family will always be there for them; that they are surrounded by the special love and strength of their family — a strong family.
The funeral in the Catholics Church is considered a celebration of life and dressing to celebrate rather than mourn has been encouraged for awhile now. Most still traditionally dress in black. I found this out upon my late husband’s celebration. Note the priests’ robes were white also.
This family, these Bidens, embody what it means to live your values, live your love. I’ve never seen such an outpouring of authentic family grief and love.
Good afternoon, TOD. Been lurking here throughout the service; too emotional to speak… Thank you, TOD, for the comfort that only a family can provide in this time of sadness…
What an incredible bond these two men share! I don’t think this country has ever quite seen such a bond between two individuals - who happened to be President and VP in the same administration. Bless the entire Biden family. Beau has two incredible siblings - may he rest in peace, knowing that his wife & kids will have the richness of a loving extended family to get them through this difficult time.
I can teach you macramé. I’m good at tying myself in knots. Also, In Wyoming you can get your Marriage License the same day you get married! If it’s a week day that is. Remember my yard? 😉
President Obama was visibly distracted. “He was just staring out the window, and it was clear he wasn’t paying attention,” recalled David Axelrod, who was serving as a White House senior adviser at the time. It was May 2010 and Vice President Biden’s oldest son, Beau, had just suffered a stroke. “ ‘I don’t know how Joe’s going to go on if this doesn’t work,’ the president said,” Axelrod recalled in an interview Friday. A week later, when Biden returned to the West Wing, Obama sprinted out of his office to welcome him back.Five years later, as Biden dealt with the prospect that Obama dreaded, he asked the president to deliver a eulogy for his son, to take on the task of giving voice to the intense private grief of a family that has spent decades in the public limelight. Biden’s request underscored just how much the personal relationship between the two men has evolved in the seven years since they first forged their political partnership….
Here’s why Joe Biden chose Obama to deliver his son’s eulogy - http://t.co/qW8ygX0hcT
— lori aratani (@loriara) June 6, 2025
… “We came to office at such a miserably difficult time and had to face some very difficult challenges, and I think that’s part of what forged that relationship,” Axelrod said “It was in this crucible of crisis where they really had to rely on each other.” At times, according to several current and former officials, Biden has served as the president’s foil on issues. Former White House press secretary Jay Carney, who served as Biden’s spokesman for two years before serving in that position, recalled attending a meeting in 2011 in the Roosevelt Room where roughly a dozen advisers had reached a consensus on the matter in question before the vice president said that he disagreed. “The vice president finished and the president said, ‘I think Joe’s right,’ Carney said, adding that on that and other occasions that Biden “created space for the president to take a contrarian view and created more room for his decision-making.”…But Biden has not been a freelancer during his time in the White House, and his intense loyalty to the president has earned him considerable affection among not just from Obama but other top aides as well. The warmth of the Obama-Biden relationship stands in contrast to the last Democratic administration, when President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore established an early collaborative relationship that eventually frayed because so much of the second term was colored by Gore’s presidential ambitions….continued”
Another thing that struck me is the love & respect expressed for Major Beau Biden by his Army Chief of Staff Ray Odierno. It says a lot to be so loved, respected, & loved by your superiors who have nothing to gain by expressing those sentiments out loud. Gen Odierno even said what we have expressed here: that he knew that Beau, had he lived, was destined to be POTUS one day. Oh what might have been!!
The Finalists @DARPA Robotics Challenge http://t.co/6FZpNFAT5E Stream http://t.co/N1aHl14zLx https://t.co/udiIRTlKXC pic.twitter.com/1MXf7dRJt0
— The Lovely Plains (@DaRiverZkind) June 5, 2025
“The DRC is a competition of robot systems and software teams vying to develop robots capable of assisting humans in responding to natural and man-made disasters. It was designed to be extremely difficult. Participating teams, representing some of the most advanced robotics research and development organizations in the world, are collaborating and innovating on a very short timeline to develop the hardware, software, sensors, and human-machine control interfaces that will enable their robots to complete a series of challenge tasks selected by DARPA for their relevance to disaster response. The DRC Finals will take place from June 5-6, 2015 at Fairplex in Pomona, California. The DRC Finals will require robots to attempt a circuit of consecutive physical tasks, with degraded communications between the robots and their operators; the winning team will receive a $2 million grand prize; DARPA plans to award $1 million to the runner-up and $500,000 to the third-place team. Technologies resulting from the DRC will transform the field of robotics and catapult forward development of robots featuring task-level autonomy that can operate in the hazardous, degraded conditions common in disaster zones.”
You may have to click on the robotchallenge.org link above (has all 4 courses) if the Youtube channel won’t run on WP
The final tasks of the competition are being attempted now…some crazy technology went into the development of our future overlords!
Not surprised that Ambassador Caroline Kennedy was present at Major Beau Biden’s service. If I recall right, didn’t she & AG Holder lead the search for PBO’s VP? I have always suspected that Sen Kennedy put in a strong recommendation for VP Joe Biden because he knew the deep integrity of his friend. Mrs Vicki Kennedy was at the service too.
I smiled a little when Hunter mentioned his older brother Beau as one year and one day older than him. My Hubby is one of five boys. He had one brother constantly telling him he was one year, eleven months and eleven days older than Hubby. ❤️
White House.gov
I love them. Beautiful men
{{DF}}
Morning/afternoon to you, Chips. I feel all wrung out now. Just trying to collect myself.
I was already struggling DF, then I heard ‘The Battle Hymn of the Republic’ - we chose that too for my Dad’s leaving music when his funeral ended.
What a truly beautiful ceremony.
I didn’t get that far. Had to stop watching after President Obama was through.
You really will need to listen to Ashley and Hunter Biden’s words. They were heartfelt, personal and wonderful. But, they’ll make you cry all over again. It was clear listening to them that Joe Biden has raised a wonderful family, and that Beau Biden’s loss will be a body blow to this family - he really seems to have been their captain. Very sad loss.
<3
I need to find it later on tv to watch those extraordinary children again. They were -and are - remarkable.
Here they are 57:
Thank you so much, Chips
A pleasure, 57
Hunter Biden says @:44 mark, “…Mr President you know how much he loved you. Thank you for all that you”ve done for our family…Michelle, particularly these difficult days…That was an incredible tribute, thank you….” Oh my water woks kicked in major big time when he said these words.
Oh Mittens, that bit got me too, such beautiful words, I was gone.
{{{Chips}}}
{{{{Jacqueline}}}}
{{{{{ Chipsticks }}}}} Many blessings, much gratitude. <3
Same here DF. Love them both immensely!
To me, they are the total embodiment of what good human beings are. They are the marks of good, decent, genuine men and human beings. They are exactly who I want my own children to emulate…
Agree, df. Today, though I’ve felt very strong feelings for both of them and their families, during the ceremony I realized, viscerally, that I love them as if they were my brothers. I’ve never felt that way before about any person that I’ve never met, and have only felt those feelings toward a couple of non-family members whom I’ve known for decades.
Yes…it’s this feeling for me too.
Perfect way to describe it Bob!
Amen, I too feel like the Obamas and the Bidens are my family.
You said it so well, Bobfr. Isn’t it great to feel a a part of this loving family?
<3
my sentiments exactly
yep. I feel like this has happened to a family member.
This was such a beautiful memorial service.
Such love, respect and admiration they each have for one another. It is palpable and a beautiful thing.
The bond between Pres. Obama and VP Biden is so apparent and so strong.
I really think Joe Biden is like a big brother or father figure to President Obama.
I need some fresh air. Love you all and am grateful to be able too spend this service with you.
My heart goes out to the Biden Family
{{{{Donna}}}}}
Beloved. So truly beloved. _/I\_ <3 Thank you. <3
Listening to the commentators on MSNBC…they seem to *finally* get that there is a special relationship - a special bond — between President Obama and Vice-President Biden. Paraphrasing their commentary, a bond unlike any they know of between a Pres and VP in history.
Not news to us in the village.
Bringing this from last thread…..you and I on the same page:
Funny, our media. Switched to MSNBC after WH feed left. On air hosts speaking about the closeness displayed between PBO and VP. Never in recent history such a close relationship, according to the speakers. But, hey, we already KNEW how close they are. It’s their cynicism which keeps them unaware of what we already get. I am grateful we have these 2 as our leaders. All followers may pale in comparison if they haven’t learned anything from this day. Good day, TOD.
I have to agree though that I can’t remember any previous Presidents/Vice-Presidents that have the sort of relationship — both working and personal — as our POTUS and VPOTUS. When other Presidents and Vice-Presidents seem to go their separate ways at their term is over, President Obama and VP Biden AND their families will continue to be an extended family.
Exactly!
I started to choke up when Hunter told the story when they were in the hospital as toddlers. Both of my brothers are one year and 3 days apart. John was with my Mom when she passed away. I am dreading the day when John will no longer be here.
As devastating as burying #Beau has been for the Biden family, was really impressed by Ashley and Hunter’s eulogies — so heartfelt and real.
Very sad for Hailie, Natalie and Hunter, but they are embraced by the most amazing family.
How many of us wish we had an Uncle Hunter and Aunt Ashley to be there for us after this shattering loss?
A personal observation, and may be completely off-base… know nothing about Catholic traditions — but Beau’s wife Hailie was dressed in white, his daughter Natalie in black and white stripes… so that they would stand out in the crowd and be immediately visible to Beau’s spirit?
I too was impressed with Hunter and Ashley’s eulogies. They opened their hears to us all about their relationship with Beau Biden and how Beau looked out for everyone. I especially liked Hunter’s assurance to Natalie and young Hunter that their family will always be there for them; that they are surrounded by the special love and strength of their family — a strong family.
The funeral in the Catholics Church is considered a celebration of life and dressing to celebrate rather than mourn has been encouraged for awhile now. Most still traditionally dress in black. I found this out upon my late husband’s celebration. Note the priests’ robes were white also.
This family, these Bidens, embody what it means to live your values, live your love. I’ve never seen such an outpouring of authentic family grief and love.
Good afternoon, TOD. Been lurking here throughout the service; too emotional to speak… Thank you, TOD, for the comfort that only a family can provide in this time of sadness…
What an incredible bond these two men share! I don’t think this country has ever quite seen such a bond between two individuals - who happened to be President and VP in the same administration. Bless the entire Biden family. Beau has two incredible siblings - may he rest in peace, knowing that his wife & kids will have the richness of a loving extended family to get them through this difficult time.
Morning/afternoon/evening all.
I have the service DVR’d, and am preparing to tear up later.
Right now getting ready for Juventus v. Barcelona. And, of course, the usual “we’re not racists” are trashing Serena online.
Barcelona scores in the 3rd minute….not much left to watch here….waiting for the obligatory Messi highlight sometime in next hour or so!
I can teach you macramé. I’m good at tying myself in knots. Also, In Wyoming you can get your Marriage License the same day you get married! If it’s a week day that is. Remember my yard? 😉
Yep, we can here too. And the Missus thought we had to get a blood test.
WY doesn’t require one. We did in SD but that was a long time ago. Laws change.
Exactly what I thought-would love to have seen VP’s reaction.
THAT’S WHERE MY DAD LANDED AND THEN HE DIED EMOTIONALLY….PTSD TOOK OVER…THEN DEAD AT 52…HE NEVER EMOTIONALLY LEFT THAT BEACH…I ABSOLUTELY HATE WAR!
The world owes your Dad and all who served with him an enormous debt of gratitude.
{{{{{ SueDuvall Smith }}}}}
(((((HUGS)))))
((((((((((((((((((((((((SUE)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
That “My word as a Biden” was one of my favorites!
Thank you for these LP! Perfect!
My pleasure, Dudette :)
President Obama was visibly distracted. “He was just staring out the window, and it was clear he wasn’t paying attention,” recalled David Axelrod, who was serving as a White House senior adviser at the time. It was May 2010 and Vice President Biden’s oldest son, Beau, had just suffered a stroke. “ ‘I don’t know how Joe’s going to go on if this doesn’t work,’ the president said,” Axelrod recalled in an interview Friday. A week later, when Biden returned to the West Wing, Obama sprinted out of his office to welcome him back.Five years later, as Biden dealt with the prospect that Obama dreaded, he asked the president to deliver a eulogy for his son, to take on the task of giving voice to the intense private grief of a family that has spent decades in the public limelight. Biden’s request underscored just how much the personal relationship between the two men has evolved in the seven years since they first forged their political partnership….
… “We came to office at such a miserably difficult time and had to face some very difficult challenges, and I think that’s part of what forged that relationship,” Axelrod said “It was in this crucible of crisis where they really had to rely on each other.” At times, according to several current and former officials, Biden has served as the president’s foil on issues. Former White House press secretary Jay Carney, who served as Biden’s spokesman for two years before serving in that position, recalled attending a meeting in 2011 in the Roosevelt Room where roughly a dozen advisers had reached a consensus on the matter in question before the vice president said that he disagreed. “The vice president finished and the president said, ‘I think Joe’s right,’ Carney said, adding that on that and other occasions that Biden “created space for the president to take a contrarian view and created more room for his decision-making.”…But Biden has not been a freelancer during his time in the White House, and his intense loyalty to the president has earned him considerable affection among not just from Obama but other top aides as well. The warmth of the Obama-Biden relationship stands in contrast to the last Democratic administration, when President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore established an early collaborative relationship that eventually frayed because so much of the second term was colored by Gore’s presidential ambitions….continued”
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-33033550
That is FABULOUS.
Extraordinary!
Just finished watching this amazing video. I’m overwhelmed.
Another thing that struck me is the love & respect expressed for Major Beau Biden by his Army Chief of Staff Ray Odierno. It says a lot to be so loved, respected, & loved by your superiors who have nothing to gain by expressing those sentiments out loud. Gen Odierno even said what we have expressed here: that he knew that Beau, had he lived, was destined to be POTUS one day. Oh what might have been!!
The DARPA Robotics Challenge
“The DRC is a competition of robot systems and software teams vying to develop robots capable of assisting humans in responding to natural and man-made disasters. It was designed to be extremely difficult. Participating teams, representing some of the most advanced robotics research and development organizations in the world, are collaborating and innovating on a very short timeline to develop the hardware, software, sensors, and human-machine control interfaces that will enable their robots to complete a series of challenge tasks selected by DARPA for their relevance to disaster response. The DRC Finals will take place from June 5-6, 2015 at Fairplex in Pomona, California. The DRC Finals will require robots to attempt a circuit of consecutive physical tasks, with degraded communications between the robots and their operators; the winning team will receive a $2 million grand prize; DARPA plans to award $1 million to the runner-up and $500,000 to the third-place team. Technologies resulting from the DRC will transform the field of robotics and catapult forward development of robots featuring task-level autonomy that can operate in the hazardous, degraded conditions common in disaster zones.”
You may have to click on the robotchallenge.org link above (has all 4 courses) if the Youtube channel won’t run on WP
The final tasks of the competition are being attempted now…some crazy technology went into the development of our future overlords!
Currently in 2nd place with 7/8 points. Only task it did not complete was falling and getting up on its own:
Not surprised that Ambassador Caroline Kennedy was present at Major Beau Biden’s service. If I recall right, didn’t she & AG Holder lead the search for PBO’s VP? I have always suspected that Sen Kennedy put in a strong recommendation for VP Joe Biden because he knew the deep integrity of his friend. Mrs Vicki Kennedy was at the service too.
I AM NEVER GOING TO FORGET THIS SERVICE FOR BEAU OR ALL OF THE PEOPLE THERE…MY HEART HAS A HOLE IN IT!
For Beau Biden
I smiled a little when Hunter mentioned his older brother Beau as one year and one day older than him. My Hubby is one of five boys. He had one brother constantly telling him he was one year, eleven months and eleven days older than Hubby. ❤️
Will never forget it and the darkness that followed, for decades, until a cold winter day in 2007.
I remember that day vividly First day the cruelty of the outside world really shook me up as a child.
<3
Full Video of Pres Obama’s Eulogy for Major Beau Biden on June 6th, 2015
Here is a much clearer HD Video…….please delete the above. Thank Chips and NW in advance.
thank you Nena
New post:
http://theobamadiary.com/2015/06/06/the-presidents-eulogy-in-honor-of-beau-biden/