Vice Pres. Biden shows up at Democratic Jamboree
Those in attendance for the 2015 Sussex County Democratic Jamboree in Delaware were treated to an unexpected surprise Saturday in Cape Henlopen State Park as the Vice President of the United States made an unexpected appearance.
Speculation has surrounded Vice President Joe Biden about the possibility he will run for the 2016 Democratic nomination for president. The fact that Biden has used the jamboree in years past to launch his campaign and that pollsters have Biden ahead of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, led many to believe that Biden would announce his candidacy Saturday. Instead Biden took the opportunity to speak on personal, not political matters, thanking those for their continued support of him and his family.
“I came because… and I’ll get through this…. because Beau would want me to come and the reason is to say thank you -this is the first time I’ve had an opportunity to have so many of you, who not only have been so good to my family and my Beau, but you were there for me this last go around and you were there in ways that absolutely blew me away.” Biden said to a crowd of over 200, alluding to the support he and his family received during his son Beau’s sickness and eventual passing.
Biden added how touched he was that so many came out earlier this summer for Beau’s funeral, noting how much it meant to his family that many stood in line for four to five hours just to offer their condolences.
The elder statesman also spoke about how special Sussex County was to him, speaking about how he started his political career there and how good it felt to be home.
“The thing about Sussex is the soil’s sandy, but the roots go real, real deep,” Biden said.
Biden ended his speech by reminding those in attendance that he’s “still Joe” and that if they ever need anything that he is still here for them.
After his speech, Biden took an additional half-hour posing for pictures and shaking hands before leaving Cape Henlopen.
To see Biden’s full speech, click here.
