Joe Biden’s Emotional Eulogy: Honoring John McCain’s Enduring Legacy and Bipartisan Friendship
The nation gathered to bid farewell to a true American icon, Senator John McCain, whose passing on August 25 after a battle with brain cancer left a profound void. Among the many heartfelt tributes paid to the decorated war hero and revered statesman, none resonated with such personal depth and raw emotion as the eulogy delivered by his longtime friend and former Vice President, Joe Biden. Speaking at a memorial service held on August 30 at North Phoenix Baptist Church in Arizona, Biden painted a vivid portrait of a man he considered a brother, transcending political divides to celebrate a friendship that stood as a testament to the power of human connection.
Biden’s presence at the service was deeply symbolic, not just as a former colleague but as one of McCain’s pallbearers, physically carrying the casket of his dear friend into the church. This act underscored the profound bond they shared, a bond that defined much of their respective political careers and personal lives. The anticipation for Biden’s remarks was palpable, as many knew the depth of his relationship with McCain, a friendship forged over decades in the halls of the Senate, tested by political campaigns, and strengthened by shared values and personal tragedies.
A Brother in Arms and Spirit: The Biden-McCain Friendship
Joe Biden began his eulogy with a simple yet powerful declaration that immediately disarmed and captivated the audience: “My name is Joe Biden. I’m a Democrat. And I loved John McCain.” This opening, punctuated by visible emotion as Biden wiped away tears, set the tone for a speech that was less about politics and more about profound human affection and respect. He confessed, “The way I look at it, the way I thought about it — I always thought of John as a brother.” This sentiment, repeated throughout the eulogy, perfectly encapsulated the unique dynamic between the two men.
Their relationship blossomed early in their Senate careers. Biden, elected at the unusually young age of 29, found a kindred spirit in McCain, who, though 14 years his senior, quickly became a mentor and confidant. “We had a lot of family fights,” Biden admitted, acknowledging their spirited disagreements, a hallmark of their friendship. Yet, these debates never fractured their core respect. Instead, they often deepened it, illustrating a model of bipartisan discourse that many now yearn for in American politics.
Biden recalled countless hours spent together, particularly on international trips as part of various delegations. “We would sit on that plane, and while everyone else was asleep, just talk,” he shared. These late-night conversations weren’t about partisan squabbles but about grander ideals – “the promise of America.” Both men, despite their often cynical profession, held a steadfast belief in their country’s potential. Biden characterized them both as “cockeyed optimists,” a shared trait that fueled their dedication to public service and their ability to see beyond immediate political skirmishes.
Trust, Values, and the Power of Personal Connection
The former Vice President eloquently articulated how their friendship transcended political differences, stressing that “above all we understood the same thing: politics is personal, it’s all about trust.” This statement served as a powerful reminder of a time when personal relationships could bridge ideological divides, fostering a sense of camaraderie even amidst intense policy debates. Biden’s unwavering conviction was evident as he declared, “I trusted John with my life, and I think he’d trust me with his.” Such a profound level of trust is rare in any sphere, let alone the often cutthroat world of national politics, and it spoke volumes about the character of both men.
Biden also delved into the profound personal losses he had experienced, drawing a poignant parallel to the grief felt by the McCain family. He spoke of the tragic death of his first wife and daughter in a car accident, and more recently, the devastating loss of his son, Beau Biden, to brain cancer. “After times when life can be so cruel, pain so blinding. It’s hard to see anything,” he mused, his voice heavy with empathy. He noted the cruel irony that the same disease that claimed McCain had also taken his son and their mutual friend, Senator Teddy Kennedy. “It’s brutal, it’s relentless… we have to remember how they lived, not how they died,” he urged, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the shared sorrow.
This shared experience of enduring unimaginable personal pain provided Biden with a unique lens through which to comfort the McCain family. He directly addressed McCain’s formidable 106-year-old mother, Roberta McCain, saying, “I know how difficult it is to bury a child, Mrs. McCain.” To John’s wife, Cindy McCain, and his seven children, Biden offered a message of solace, acknowledging that “there’s nothing anyone can say or do to ease the pain right now.” Yet, he prayed that they might find comfort in the knowledge that they shared John with the world, and now, the world mourned his loss alongside them.
Character is Destiny: Honoring a Life Lived Fully
Biden’s eulogy powerfully emphasized the indelible mark McCain left on those around him and on the nation, echoing the timeless adage: “Character is destiny. John had character.” He acknowledged that while others might miss McCain’s famous passion and stubbornness – qualities that defined his political persona – his family would miss the simpler, more intimate gestures: “you’re going to miss that your hand on your shoulder.” For such profound personal loss, Biden offered a universal truth: “for that, there’s no balm but time. Time in your memories of a life lived well, lived fully.” He promised the grieving family that eventually, a smile would come before a tear, a testament to the healing power of cherished memories.
“My name is Joe Biden. I’m a Democrat. And I love John McCain.”
LIVE: Former VP Biden speaks at memorial service for John McCain. https://t.co/DpcHSUJ0Ee
— NBC News (@NBCNews) August 30, 2018
The Biden-McCain friendship was a remarkable example of bipartisanship, enduring even when their political paths diverged significantly. Their bond remained strong even after Biden became the running mate, and eventually Vice President, to Barack Obama, McCain’s rival in the intensely contested 2008 presidential race. This ability to maintain deep personal respect and affection across the fiercest political battle lines is what made their relationship so iconic and inspiring. It was clear from every word of Biden’s speech just how integral McCain was to his life, not just as a colleague, but as a genuine, irreplaceable friend.
A Nation in Mourning: The Scope of McCain’s Impact
The memorial service in Phoenix was just one of several national tributes to Senator McCain, reflecting the widespread respect he commanded across the political spectrum and among the American public. The attendees included figures from across the political landscape, military leaders, and numerous personal friends. During the Phoenix service, McCain’s children also played a prominent role, with his son Andrew McCain, 56, and daughter Bridget McCain, 27, reading poignant passages from scripture, further personalizing the solemn occasion.
Adding another dimension to the tributes, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr., who forged an unlikely friendship with McCain after his retirement from the NFL, was also slated to speak at the memorial. This diverse array of speakers underscored McCain’s broad appeal and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, demonstrating that his influence stretched far beyond the confines of Washington D.C. The testimonials shared by these individuals, coupled with Biden’s deeply moving eulogy, painted a comprehensive picture of a man who lived a life of extraordinary service, courage, and principle.
Senator McCain’s legacy is complex and multifaceted. He was a war hero who endured years of brutal captivity in Vietnam, an unyielding advocate for military personnel, a passionate voice for campaign finance reform, and a senator who often charted an independent course, sometimes to the chagrin of his own party. His willingness to speak his mind, to challenge the status quo, and to prioritize his principles above political expediency earned him the respect of even his staunchest opponents. Biden’s eulogy beautifully encapsulated these qualities, portraying McCain not just as a political figure, but as a man of profound integrity and courage.
As the nation reflected on the passing of Senator John McCain, Joe Biden’s heartfelt tribute stood out as a powerful reminder of the human connections that can transcend partisan divides. His words offered comfort to the grieving family and a message of hope to a nation yearning for unity. The bond between Biden and McCain serves as an enduring testament to the possibility of genuine friendship and mutual respect in politics, a legacy that will undoubtedly continue to inspire for generations to come.
Our thoughts continue to be with former Vice President Biden, the entire McCain family, and the rest of Senator McCain’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. May the memory of John McCain, a true American hero and a beloved friend, continue to be a blessing, and may he rest in eternal peace.