PHILADELPHIA — Vice President Joe Biden and Democratic vice presidential pick Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va, both spoke on the third night of the Democratic National Convention before President Obama took the stage.
Biden, once a top presumptive pick for the Democratic Party, said he did not run due to the unexpected death of his eldest son Beau in May 2015.
Kaine currently serves as the junior senator from Virginia, elected in 2012. Only five days ago, Democratic nominee and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton appointed Kaine as her running mate for the general election. This was Kaine’s first address on a national scale.
Biden was introduced by his wife, Jill Biden.
“Over the pass eight years, America has gotten to know the Joe I love,” Jill said.
Jill said her husband saw an injustice too great to ignore and always spoke out.
“He understands that working people are the backbone of this nation,” Jill said. “He has tremendous empathy for those in need.”
Biden joined the stage to meet his wife with overwhelming chants of “Joe” with orange signs held high as people.
Biden discussed his bond with Obama and their growing friendship.
“He’s the embodiment of honor, resolve and character,” Biden said. “One of the finest presidents we have ever had.”
Biden sent a shout out to first lady Michelle Obama and said she had the best speech by far this week.
“Barack and I married way up,” Biden said.
Explained as a bittersweet moment, Biden explained how his late son Beau was one of the reasons he served his country.
“You got a glimpse of the incredibly fine young man Beau was,” Biden said.
Following his moment of sorrow he raised his eyebrows and asked for a time of seriousness, focusing on the opposite party’s nominee.
“The world breaks everyone and afterwards many are strong,” Biden said. “I’ve been made strong of the broken spaces.”
Cynicism described as unbounding, Biden warned the room of the terrors that could arise if Donald Trump was president.
“He has no clue what makes America great,” Biden said.
Biden said he saw a bright future in Clinton and in the future of America.
“Never been a good bet to bet against America,” Biden said. “We always move forward.”
Bobby Scott introduced Kaine speaking of his dedication to civil rights and social rights.
As he walked out, orange signs of “juntos se puede” or “together we can” went in the air.
“I humbly accept my party’s nomination as vice president of the United States,” Kaine said.
Kaine spoke of his faith and efforts connected to this social justice focus.
“Somos Americanos todos,” Kaine said.
Focusing on the opposite party, Kaine then spoke of the beginning of the Republicans.
“If any of you are looking for that party of Lincoln, we have a home for you at the Democratic party,” Kaine said.
Touching on his faith, Kaine connected it to his past successes and looked toward this future.
“If I’m any good at politics it’s because I started at the local level,” Kaine said.
Kaine served as mayor of Richmond, Virginia, and a member of the Richmond City Council.
“We are all neighbors and we must love our neighbors as ourself,” Kaine said. “Do all the good you can and serve one another.”
