Joe Biden, a 78-year-old Democratic candidate, is officially the 46th President of the United States. On Wednesday, January 6, 2021, Congress certified the victory of the former vice-president of Barack Obama. A procedure interrupted after the invasion of the Capitol by supporters of Donald Trump, who admitted, after weeks and weeks of procrastination, that his mandate was over … but declared, sulky, that he would not participate in the ceremony investiture scheduled for January 20. The Republican still contests the crowning of his rival and persists in saying that the election was his “Stolen”. Regardless, for his opponent: this Wednesday, January 20, Joe Biden will accede to the White House. A dream that he has touched on for a long time and that he is finally seeing come true. A happy end, also, for this politician with a career as long as his famous train journeys, who overcame many trials during his life, both professional and personal: the death of his first wife Neilia and their 13 month old daughter , Naomi, in a terrible car accident. Then the tragic death of her son Beau in 2015 from brain cancer. Trials that have undoubtedly forged his personality and shaped his pugnacity. In any case, this is what journalist Sonia Dridi recounts in her book published on September 16, 2020: Joe Biden, America's bet against Trump. A documented and fascinating work that Current wife was able to read, and which retraces in detail his journey. Sonia Dridi recounts in particular the day when Joe Biden made Barack Obama cry.
Barack Obama and Joe Biden: complicated beginnings
While we are used to collusive photos between the ex-president and his former vice-president, things have not always been rosy between the two politicians. Their first meeting is even rather tense. "The first exchange between him and Barack Obama leaves them both on their guard", recalls Sonia Dridi. “At the time, the young black senator was 43 years old. Eager to be appointed to the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, he seeks help from the old lion of the Senate, who sits there. They talk about having dinner together and Biden tells Obama that there is an Italian restaurant. ‘Who does not look like’, close to the Capitol. Obama, a little upset, especially since he had just won a million dollars with the publication of his Briefs, answer : ‘We can also go to a beautiful place! I can afford it. ’ He finds Biden's proposal somewhat condescending while the Delaware elected official finds Obama's response arrogant. " Joe Biden's flaw is well known: he speaks too quickly, often without thinking about the scope of his words. Like this time when, interviewed by a journalist from New York Observer, he launches, about Barack Obama: “He is the first African-American known to the general public who is articulate, bright, clean on himself and a good-looking boy. That's a good story, for sure! " Another blunder that does not please Michelle Obama's husband.
Second Obama term: rapprochement, loyalty and complicity
Little by little, a relationship of trust is established between the two men. However, Joe Biden will initially refuse to be the vice-president of Barack Obama. He does not want to be relegated to the background and justifies himself to his wife, Jill Biden, who pushes him to accept this golden proposal: “I never had a boss! I don't know how I'm going to handle this. ” What Jill Biden replies to him: “Come on Joe, grow up!” However, they find an arrangement: Barack Obama promises him that he will be able to attend all key meetings and that he will be “The last person he'll talk to before making a major decision.” Joe Biden, for his part, swears loyalty and loyalty to him. Their relationship during the first term will not be without tension, and it is only during Obama's second term that we see real rapprochement. "They have learned to understand each other and feel more and more affection for each other", notes the author. Joe Biden can also count on the support of Barack Obama when the health of his son Beau deteriorates. "As Beau's health worsens, Biden opens up with a heavy heart to Obama at lunch", can we read. “Looking up, he sees tears rolling down the President's cheeks. “Since he's not very demonstrative, in private or in public, I felt uneasy. I found myself consoling him. ’Life is so hard to understand,’ he said. ’Obama then orders Biden to cancel one of his overseas trips and to go to Texas where his son is receiving treatment.” Beau Biden died on May 30, 2015. “The Biden clan is broken, bruised. His funeral takes place in a church in Wilmington. Barack Obama delivers a very poignant eulogy there. ‘Michelle and I, Sasha and Malia, are now part of the Biden clan. And we follow the Biden family rules. We are always there for you, we always will be. " Then, taking his vice-president in his arms, he whispers to him: “Joe, you are my brother.” ”
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