September 10, 2008
Posted: September 10th, 2008 04:05 PM ET
CNN

Watch this clip from this weekend's CNN Presents special about Sen. Biden.

(CNN) - An emotional Joe Biden told CNN’s Amy Boudreau his wife Jill “restored my life” after the death of his wife and infant daughter in an accident.

“I asked her once not long before our wedding how she could marry me knowing how much –” the Delaware senator said said, and paused for several seconds.

“…Knowing how much I adored Neilia. And she didn’t hesitate. She said, quote, That’s the reason I can marry you, she told me. Anybody who loved that deeply once can do it again.

“That’s when I realized exactly how much Jill’s love had done for me – it had given me permission to be me again.”

Biden paused again to collect himself. “God, I’m sorry,” he said. “But she did, I mean she restored my life. I know that sounds corny but she really did.”

Watch Abby Boudreau’s full interview with the Democratic vice presidential nominee this weekend on CNN

Filed under: Joe Biden


sick and tired   September 11th, 2008 1:55 am ET

Joe Biden is a man of integrity and real charm. I hope and pray he will be our VP. The other team is showing how little integrity plays in every decision they make. If this country can't see thru this garbage going on in this McCain/Rove #3 campaign, this country is doomed.

If you watched Jim Cramer talk on the economy the other day, you know how close we are to a great depression. John McCain didn't agree with the bail out of Fannie and Freddie, but has now said he does of course but that he will save us from more bail outs. Jim said that if we let F&F fail or if we let any of the big three auto makers fail, we will see our economy fall to levels of 1932. That is how close we are to our country loosing everything. John McCain is so insistent on low taxes that he can't see the forest for the trees. We have to have more tax money to stablize this country or we are in for some real bad times. These are bad enough but won't even compare.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   September 10th, 2008 9:05 pm ET

What a man Joe Biden is loving his wife and family until her unfortunate death. Can't say that about McCain who married a beauty queen that later suffered a tradgic accident that left her disabled and Johnny Boy himself returns homes disabled and ditched her for so many other women until he met the rich Cindy McCain. And get this, he was still married when he applied for a marriage license to Cindy. Well so much for McCain's support of Americans with disabilities because he dumped his disabled wife like a low life would do. Doesn't that tell people something about Palin's value system, after all she's a woman with a disabled son.

Jennifer   September 10th, 2008 9:04 pm ET

He his a good, good man.

katrina   September 10th, 2008 9:02 pm ET

Wow. Sounds unrehearsed, genuine, unscripted. Moving in the way no stump speech ever is.

Lori   September 10th, 2008 9:01 pm ET

What a decent man and he will make a great VP not only with his strong knowledge of the issues but with his strong family values. His son was right they got married the whole family.

ashupasu   September 10th, 2008 8:58 pm ET

now thats family values, man.

And why did Palin not go to the hospital when her water broke...instead gave a speech and then flew to Alaska..a stopover on the way. Didnt get care in Anchorage but went to Wasilla and delivered Trig one hour after reaching.
What kind of mom would do that knowing:
1, baby has down syndrome
2, Preterm
3, Late age pregnancy

And then go back to work three days later. The baby wasnt even released from the hospital(or sue the doc if he did release a down syndrome child too early)

Hmmmmm and the answers...

Kevin - Jonesboro, GA   September 10th, 2008 8:56 pm ET

Regardless of party, you could feel Biden's pain and love come through.

Nya in Portland, OR   September 10th, 2008 8:54 pm ET

That is no nice to hear a man honor his wife so wonderfully.

Paul   September 10th, 2008 8:53 pm ET

God bless him...and his family.

Cynthia Estrada   September 10th, 2008 8:51 pm ET

Its certainly a better love story than the McCain story with Cindy McCain (his 2nd wife). McCains relationship with his 2nd wife seems somewhat dishonorable. McCain started this relationship while he was still married to his first wife. Good for Biden!

from ohio   September 10th, 2008 8:47 pm ET

Yes..I agreed with MaCain=the draft.

Once cheater always cheater. It tells McCain's character!

Forget about he being the president leading this country.

GO OBAMA/BIDEN008!!!

Susan   September 10th, 2008 8:43 pm ET

I have great respect for Joe Biden's personal story, as well as Barak Obama's. There's a decency to the Democratic ticket that is sorely lacking on the Republican ticket.

JackAth   September 10th, 2008 8:42 pm ET

Maybe it wouldnt kill the Obama-Biden campaign to run on a little biography to combat McCain-Palin's stories. Obama has an amazing personal story, and Biden has the emotional family devotion that truly moves people just as much so as Governor Palin's does. The Obama campaign needs to stop dismissing the focus on stories and personalities and get in their own 2 cents.

Barbara   September 10th, 2008 8:41 pm ET

You're the best in VP position – we need foreign affairs experience (picture puppet palin or mcwarmonger with the hostile nations – ww3)

You hang in there Joe. We need your foreign affairs experience.

Obama/Biden '08

Obama08   September 10th, 2008 8:40 pm ET

I love Joe Biden.

Regina   September 10th, 2008 8:36 pm ET

Oh Mr. Joe, Mr. Joe! What a man you are! What a great Vice President you will be. My heart goes out to you.

Obama/Biden 08!

4Obama   September 10th, 2008 8:34 pm ET

Joe, I'm really loving you these days.

Lindsay in CA   September 10th, 2008 8:33 pm ET

Oh....I love Joe Biden. What an honorable man. He was my early favorite in the primaries, and I'm so happy that he will be our next VP.

Tom in Delaware   September 10th, 2008 8:32 pm ET

It's good that Joe found happiness...so should we all.

Rebecca   September 10th, 2008 8:31 pm ET

This man will be an incredible Vice President for the United States....AND.... I feel very confident he wil be ready to be Pesident on day one if ever necessary!!

Eleanor   September 10th, 2008 8:30 pm ET

Joe biden is a good person a good senator
adversity has made him stronger and a man of integrity and devotion
to his family and career
he is a much more dependable and experienced choice for VP
than Palin could ever be!!

Barbara   September 10th, 2008 8:27 pm ET

Wouldn't it be nice to have 2 loving families in the White House?

Barack and Michelle
Joe and Jill
2008

Newly Minted Independent   September 10th, 2008 8:25 pm ET

Senator, with all due respect, you can't play this game.

Stick to politics and not the sweet Oprah moments. It's beneath you.

GO JOE!!!   September 10th, 2008 8:21 pm ET

Joe is a great guy. He is the perfect VP for Barack Obama. These are people that really care and will be great leaders. I just hope America realizes that before its too late!

Obama/Biden '08

aware   September 10th, 2008 8:21 pm ET

Great emotional story but not as powerful as McCain's POW story!

Biden has chosen a hard path as VP to Obama! Obama is not on the same track as Biden at all. Obama is a user who will throw anyone under the bus when he is finished with them! :(

The two senators lack balance and cohesiveness!

McCain/Palin 08! Senator McCain and Governor Palin will deliver authentic reform with integrity! They are the change agents Americans can believe in! :)

Mrs. Texas Teacher   September 10th, 2008 8:21 pm ET

I'm a widow. I understand Biden's words completely. When you have had a wonderful relationship with someone you loved so much, and knew that you were loved the same; it's hard to try to start over. I think you are very very lucky to find it again. I was willing to give the same kind of love that I had given to my late husband, after I had time to ease some of the mourning with time.

But you know what, I did not find one man who could trust that. They were so burned from divorce and cynical that they either would not or could not trust that I could love again the same way. I finally just gave up. My husband was a hard act to follow, but I was willing to try gain. Now I feel like I was very very lucky to have found that kind of love ONCE, let alone twice. I'm glad it worked again for someone. :)

aware   September 10th, 2008 8:17 pm ET

Biden has chosen a hard path as VP to Obama!

Obama is not on the same track as Biden at all. Obama is a user who will throw anyone under the bus when he is finished with them! :(

The two senators lack balance an cohesiveness!

McCain/Palin 08! Senator McCain and Governor Palin will deliver authentic reform with integrity! They are the change agents Americans can believe in! :)

janine   September 10th, 2008 8:17 pm ET

I'm surprised the media hasn't come out about McCain's first wife and how she was ditched by John after her accident. And then John's mother sued his first wife. Wow! And women are lining up to vote for him.

election watcher   September 10th, 2008 8:16 pm ET

As a lifelong Democrat I think it's a shame Biden wasn't the Democrat nominee. I'd vote for him in a heartbeat, but I couldn't vote for Obama in a million years.

The vp became the first lady.......oops   September 10th, 2008 8:14 pm ET

This is a picture of honour.
This is what respect for womanhood is all about.
This is what every sensible woman wants.
not being exploited by McCain, he is an expert in exploiting women!!

ABG   September 10th, 2008 8:13 pm ET

Joe Biden is a great guy who loves America, his family and truly deserves to be Vice President!

wani   September 10th, 2008 8:10 pm ET

This is a man of great value and seems highly genuine. A rare quality in politicians these day.

Obama/Biden 2008!

Helen,Ft Lauderdale   September 10th, 2008 8:08 pm ET

Joe Biden is a genuine, honorable, down-to-earth, beautiful man. No hypocrisy. What you see is what you get.

Biden Fan   September 10th, 2008 8:07 pm ET

His first wife's name was Neilia, not Amelia.

Cecil   September 10th, 2008 8:07 pm ET

A SuperDad!

D N DC   September 10th, 2008 8:06 pm ET

Real HONOR should be determined by how U treat your family....... Joe Biden and Barack Obama REAL family values!!!

Peace and Blessings
Obama/Biden 08

MK   September 10th, 2008 8:04 pm ET

I love you Joe Biden! You and only should be on the ticket with Barack, you are a brillant man with a heart of gold. Stay on message, stay strong and stay positive. Here's to 01/20/2009!

Young Republican   September 10th, 2008 8:03 pm ET

Why doesn't CNN focus more on this stuff? This is a true story of character, loss, and human emotion. This will tell you more about a candidate than any ridiculous ad.

Let's get away from who called whom what, supposedly, alledgedly.

Let's get away from partisanship, and belittling someone because their emblem is a different animal.

As I read all the comment boards on CNN, I realise why people my age don't vote.

We're sick and tired of "adults" acting like 3rd graders, name calling and picking on everyone else.

Pathetic.

shannon   September 10th, 2008 8:01 pm ET

Biden is the only Dem that currently doesn't have his head shoved up his...you know what.

Eileen Vivoda   September 10th, 2008 8:00 pm ET

This interview shows the depth of Biden and his great humanity and capacity for love. I've always been a fan of his and this seals it.

Rich   September 10th, 2008 7:58 pm ET

Using your first wife to gain points and this is the kind of as#hole that would be in the #2 spot ( Right ).

Rob   September 10th, 2008 7:58 pm ET

Biden truly deeply loved his wife. As contrasted by McBush who dumped his wife after several adulterous affairs to run off with a young rich heiress. But lets all get upset by a cliche,'Lipstick on a Pig'. A cliche that McBush is shown on video saying himself.
The McBush / Paleny ticket is the saddest thing that has ever happened to the GOP. The very best thing that could happen to the Republicans would be to lose this election and re group in 2012. A GOP victory would be a disaster that might well doom the GOP forever.

DebM, Allentown, PA   September 10th, 2008 7:56 pm ET

He may open mouth, insert foot occasionally, but there is no mistaking that Joe Biden is a deeply emotional, honest human being.

And before you repub trolls start on the plagiarist thing, he acknowledged that he ONCE left out the citation of Neil Kinnock's name in a speech. Neil Kinnock has forgiven him and just recently endorsed both Obama and Biden.

the Professor   September 10th, 2008 7:56 pm ET

Right on, Joe. And you'll be a darned good #2.

redneck for obama   September 10th, 2008 7:50 pm ET

this is a 'real' person. obama is a 'real' person. mccain /palin are mere actors.

Helen   September 10th, 2008 7:40 pm ET

And that is the type of dedication I know you will carry to the White House as our next Vice President of the United States.

Unlike the Spitzers, Craigs, and Edwards alone with countless others I trust that your faithfullness will carry over into other aspects of your life.

Another man with morals and values....Thank you VP Biden.

Obama/Biden 08"

Marie C.   September 10th, 2008 7:39 pm ET

BIDEN IS AWESOME AND I CAN'T WAIT FOR HIM TO BE VP!!

SOUTHERN HOTTIE   September 10th, 2008 7:38 pm ET

Sweet.

Crazy Cat Lady   September 10th, 2008 7:38 pm ET

Bless you, Joe. What an honest loving heart you have.

YEAR   September 10th, 2008 7:36 pm ET

Biden is the man...such a family man and very caring!!!!!!!!!!

Will in Richmond, VA   September 10th, 2008 7:35 pm ET

I dig this guy.

Excellent choice for VP. We need to hear more stories like this from Biden going forward. If they want to make this about personality instead of issues, then we can oblige them.

But once the American public gets its fill of the powder puff Palin, and starts paying attention to what's going on in their environment, job site, and pocketbook, the Repubs won't have a leg to stand on.

Nia Hussein- Phoenix, AZ   September 10th, 2008 7:35 pm ET

aaaaaawwwwwww

Debra   September 10th, 2008 7:34 pm ET

Your a good man Joe – glad to have you as the Democratic VP.

Willy Brown   September 10th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

Awl. Playing the victim card

femi b   September 10th, 2008 7:31 pm ET

Its the idea of what family value is all about,keeping the memories of loved ones,that cant be said to our McCain.

This is actually the challenge in this election for the evangelical Christian, who have arrogated whom theyve chosen as holy to fit into the office of president.

They owe the American public an apology for imposing George bush.now they are imposing a man with two wifes or a divorcee,God hates divorce. and a v.p,who has a 17 year old pregnant daughter,who is not married.

This are no American values,or are they now? over to the evengelical christian judges.

Emily, DE   September 10th, 2008 7:30 pm ET

His wife's name was Neilia, CNN.

McCain=the draft   September 10th, 2008 7:29 pm ET

What a stark contrast from McCain, who cheated on and ditched his badly injured wife after her auto accident, for heiress Cindy.

John McIdiot   September 10th, 2008 7:19 pm ET

A real man doesn't put a woman on the ticket because of her looks and what she will do to excite his base. A real man thinks about the country if he should die. But John McCain, selfish to the end, only thought about himself. This is his life long dream, he couldn't lose. So he put Miss Alaska on the ticket and low and behold it worked. Good for John, good for the Sarah, bad for the country. But what the hay, "Country last" right John.

Rich   September 10th, 2008 7:17 pm ET

What a Man and What a Woman!

dr j kothary, Vancouver   September 10th, 2008 7:17 pm ET

a great guy, a great husband & a great & honest politician & vice president material.

CB2   September 10th, 2008 7:17 pm ET

How nice!!!

Joe Is Great, John Is Not   September 10th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

I really like Joe Biden. What a great American. He seems like a great dad, granddad, the whole works. Unlike John McCain, Joe is the real hero. When he lost his wife, he stepped up to the plate and took care of his boys. He didn't leave them for a roll in the hay with a younger woman.

A real man stays with his family. A real man doesn't ditch them for a younger woman with money. A real man doesn't leave his first wife, who had just been in an accident with three minor children. But we all know what kind of man John is…one who puts himself first, not his country, or his family. He's a weasle of a guy who selfishly thought of himself rather than live up to his responsibilities. This man doesn't deserve to be anywhere near the White House. Cindy Lou will be the first mistress. The stench of their past will follow them into the White House. It's shameful.

Joe Is Great, John Is Too Late   September 10th, 2008 7:15 pm ET

I really like Joe Biden. What a great American. He seems like a great dad, granddad, the whole works. Unlike John McCain, Joe is the real hero. When he lost his wife, he stepped up to the plate and took care of his boys. He didn't leave them for a roll in the hay with Cindy Lou.

A real man stays with his family. A real man doesn't ditch them for a younger woman with money. A real man doesn't leave his first wife, who had just been in an accident with three minor children. But we all know what kind of man John is...one who puts himself first, not his country, or his family. He's a weasle of a guy who selfishly thought of himself rather than live up to his responsibilities. This man doesn't deserve to be anywhere near the White House. Cindy Lou will be the first mistress. The stench of their past will follow them into the White House. It's shameful.

Watch this!!!   September 10th, 2008 7:12 pm ET

All Palin talks about is family, family, family!!! Watch how Joe gets treated for talking about the same things.

My mom is thinking about running for VP. She was a baseball mom, with five kids and a budget. Sure she doesn't have any political experience but you guys like sports mom right? Who cares if she can't run the country or have any ideas about how to help America out of this mess.

MY MOM FOR VP!!!

Watch this!!!   September 10th, 2008 7:11 pm ET

All Palin talks about is family, family, family!!! Watch how Joe get treated for talking about the same things.

I mom is thinking about running for VP. She was a baseball mom, with five kids and a budget. Sure she doesn't have any political experience but you guys like sports mom right? Who cares if she can't run the country or have any ideas about how to help America out of this mess.

MY MOM FOR VP!!!

David Goldman   September 10th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

JILL BIDEN NOT ONLY IS AN INCREDIBLE

EDUCATOR, WIFE & MOTHER BUT IS THE HOLDER

OF FOUR DEGREES INCLUDING A DOCTORATE.

BETWEEN THE OBAMAS & THE BIDENS, THEY HOLD

FOUR DOCTORATE DEGREES & 3 PROFESSORSHIPS.

BETWEEN THE MCSENILE & PALIN, THEY HOLD NONE

OF THE ABOVE & NO OTHER KIND OF VERIFIABLE INTELLECT.

But, but...   September 10th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

Executive experience restored Palin's life.

Sherry, Atlanta   September 10th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

YOUR A GOOD MAN, JOE.

Sarah Bell   September 10th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

You're the man Joe. Don't ever let anyone tell you different. America is lucky to have you.

Cynthia   September 10th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

God bless him. He seems to be a very nice man and will make a great Vice President.

karen layne   September 10th, 2008 7:00 pm ET

You have the luck of the Irish Joe, God has truly blessed you and
our Country. Give em hell !

Sifa   September 10th, 2008 6:58 pm ET

Sorry for the tragedy, Sen. Biden. Thank God for sending Jill your way. May God continue to bless you and your family.

bert   September 10th, 2008 6:58 pm ET

I really believe there is something special about this ticket that the dems have put together with Obama and Biden. We as American no matter which party we represent we should have an appreciation for Obama and Biden and the opportunity to really things done that will affect all of us in a positive way. I am proud to be an American and even prouder of the opportunities that are on the horizon with a Obama/ Biden White House

GO JOE!   September 10th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

Oh I love Joe

JusLaugh   September 10th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

Joe Biden is truly a wonderful human being. I am more impressed with him every time I read about him or hear him speak.

Anonymous   September 10th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

Hillary tried the whole 'crying game' in front of a camera. I am not saying his feelings aren't genuine. This just seems too much like what Hillary tried to get sympathy and make him more 'real' to voters.

Not trying to be mean but with all news stories today in the race is Biden chocking up in front of a camera news.

I do feel for you sir and the loss of any loved one is a hard thing to deal with and recover from.

Marg   September 10th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

This is a genuine choice for VP. A man with heart, with true respect and love for the women in his life. He has proven to be a true fighter for women and their rights. Sometimes it doesn't always take a woman to fight for us, this man will do it also.

Jewel - Atlanta   September 10th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

We will finally have two couples in the White House that don't believe in cheating on their spouses.

This is what America needs...we are loosing all our morals and values.

WE DON'T NEED MCCAIN/PALIN...totally the opposite.

Cam   September 10th, 2008 6:53 pm ET

Wow, now that is what I call a humble man. Putting aside all the political rhetoric for a minute, I think even Republicans have to admit that there is no way to attack the man about a statement like that.......

On the political front, who do you want as your VP, a heartbeat away from the Presidency? Someone who refuses to admit even when they are openly lying or someone who would admit that other people and their impact on our lives can have a profound impact on us? Ask yourselves America, you only get one chance at this.

republicans hate america   September 10th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

McCain said the same thing about Cindy when he dumped his first wife

Ex-Republican for Obama   September 10th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

Mr. Biden,

You are the definition of true blue!! I would storm hell with a table fork for a person of your integrity and honor.

Thank you for being american!

william   September 10th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

May God Bless Joe and his family!

Lori   September 10th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

I can't wait for Obama and Biden to get into the White House.

NVMan   September 10th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

A moving story, but I am still voting for McCain/Palin. I wish Biden good luck after Nov.

Fox/Albuquerque NM   September 10th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

It be so emotional I can hell the courage in this man to say this.

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