Joe Biden is known for his antics and off-the-cuff remarks, but the usually good-humored politician’s appearance on “The Late Show” with Stephen Colbert quickly became emotional when discussion turned to the VP’s late son and how it is affecting his decision to run for president.
After a warm welcome to the show, the comedian took the discussion in a more somber direction, alluding to the recent death of the Vice President’s son Beau. Calling him a “man of substance” who connects with people because he, too, has weathered tragedies. Colbert asked Biden, who was quiet and looking down, to share a story about his late son with the audience.
“My son was better than me, and he was better than me in almost every way,” Biden said.
In June, a month after his son’s death, reports surfaced that Beau Biden had urged his father to run for President, a campaign that the Vice President has yet to confirm or fully rule out. Biden’s presidential aspirations have been the source of heavy speculation, and his interviewer didn’t miss out on the opportunity to inquire about it.
Biden told Colbert a campaign for president would require 100 percent – a level that he was not at. “I’d be lying if I said that I knew I was there,” said Biden, adding that the grief sometimes “just sort of overwhelms you.”
“It’s going to be emotional for a lot of people if you don’t run,” urged Colbert, who lost his father and two brothers at age 10, adding that what Biden could bring to the position would be “sorely missed in the race.”
Watch the emotional and candid two-part interview below:
(h/t Bloomberg Politics)
