A fine bromance: in tearful ceremony, Obama surprises Vice-President Biden with Medal of Freedom

2-MIN READ2-MIN

US President Barack Obama presents the Medal of Freedom to a tearful Vice-President Biden during an event in the State Dining room of the White House on Thursday. Photo: TNS

Published: 7:47am, 13 Jan 2017Updated: 7:14am, 17 Oct 2020

US President Barack Obama surprised Vice-President Joe Biden on Thursday by awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction in an emotional and tear-filled White House ceremony that celebrated their partnership over eight years in office.

“This is an extraordinary man,” Obama said of his friend and running mate at a surprise ceremony with staff, family and friends of the vice-president.

“For the past eight years, he could not have been a more devoted or effective partner in the progress that we’ve made.”

Biden, who was unaware that the ceremony would take place, became visibly moved when Obama said he would bestow on him the highest civil honour in the United States.

“To know Joe Biden is to know love without pretense, service without self-regard, and to live life fully,” Obama said. Biden turned his back to compose himself.

Vice-President Joe Biden turns away as he wipes away tears after President Barack Obama, right, surprised Biden during a ceremony to present him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Photo: AP

Vice-President Biden weeps after receiving the Medal of Freedom. Photo: TNS

It will be the last such award that Obama gives before he and Biden leave office on January 20.

“I had no inkling,” Biden, 74, said after receiving the medal. “I get a lot of credit I don’t deserve,” he said, proceeding to give a roughly 20-minute impromptu speech thanking Obama and honouring the extended Biden family.