In pics - our favourite bromance.
U.S. President Barack Obama surprised Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday by awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction in an emotional ceremony at the White House that celebrated their partnership of over eight years in office.
"This is an extraordinary man," Obama said of his friend and running partner at the ceremony. "For the past eight years, he could not have been a more devoted or effective partner in the progress that we've made."
Biden was unaware that the ceremony would take place, saying he thought he was coming to toast senior staff with the first lady and his wife Jill Biden. He became visibly moved when Obama said he would award the Medal unto him. This is the last such award that Obama bestows before he and Biden leave office on January 20.
"I had no inkling," Biden, 74, said after receiving the highest civilian honour in the United States. "This honor is not only well beyond what I deserve, but it's a reflection of the extent and generosity of your spirit," Biden said. "I don't deserve this but I know it came from the President's heart."
Biden and Obama became close friends during their time in the White House. Biden was a U.S. senator from Delaware when Obama chose him to be his running mate in his 2008 presidential campaign.
First lady Michelle Obama and the Obamas' daughters, Malia and Sasha, also attended the ceremony.
(With agency inputs)
1. Obama: I gained a brother
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"To Joe Biden, the scrappy kid from Scranton who became Delaware's favorite son: You were the first choice I made as a nominee, and the best," Obama said in the gathering, "not just because you have been a great Vice President, but because in the bargain, I gained a brother." (Image Courtesy: Reuters)
2. One Last Time
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"For your faith in your fellow Americans, for your love of country and for your lifetime of service that will endure through the generations, I'd like to ask the military aide to join us on stage," Obama said in the ceremony. "For my final time as President, I am pleased to award our nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom."
Biden is the fourth person in US history to receive the award, the others being: Pope John Paul II, President Ronald Reagan, and former Secretary of State Colin Powell.
This is the last such award that Obama bestows before he and Biden leave office on January 20. (Image Courtesy: Reuters)
3. Biden: There is no power in the vice presidency
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"President, I'm indebted to you. I'm indebted to your friendship. I'm indebted to your family," a visibly moved Biden said, adding, "Mr President, you know that with good reason there is no power in the vice presidency... and there is no inherent power, nor should there be," he said. "Mr President, you have more than kept your commitment to me by saying that you wanted me to help government.
"Every single thing you’ve asked me to do, Mr President, you have trusted me to do. And that is a remarkable thing." (image Courtesy: AFP)
4. Obama: Joe is a lion of American history
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Obama called the 74-year-old former Delaware senator "the best vice president America's ever had" and a "lion of American history", adding that the tribute will give the Internet one last chance to joke about the "bromance" the two share.
Here's a short glimpse of their friendship over the years......
5. Biden - the ice-cream guy
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The President is seen enjoying a cold treat alongside Joe Biden at Windmill Ice Cream, Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. Biden a self-proclaimed “ice cream guy”, seemed to always find time for a cold one (PG-rated off course) on and off the campaign trail. (Image Courtesy: Reuters)
6. Joe was very public about his love for Obama
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Biden posted this picture of friendship bracelets on Twitter captioned: "Happy 55th Barack! A brother to me, a best friend forever." (Image Courtesy: Joe Biden's Twitter)
7. Some more PDA....
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Biden posted this selfie hours after joining instagram, captioned: "Found a friend to join my first selfie on Instagram Thanks for following and stay tuned. -VP" (Image Courtesy: Joe Biden's Instagram)
8. And Obama returned the favour....
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On Biden's birthday, Obama tweeted this picture captioned: "Happy birthday, Joe! The best @VP and friend I could have had alongside me these past eight years." (Image Courtesy: Barack Obama's Twitter)
9. The end of a beautiful era
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However, keeping all the jokes and memes aside, this beautiful political and personal association will truly be missed. (Image Courtesy: Reuters)
