Joe at University of Notre Dame - another "from the heart" address.
Joe's address upon receiving the Laetare Medal, the highest honor given at the University, was replayed this evening on CSPAN.
I came upon the broadcast as former Speaker John Boehner was winding up his speech, with joking references of the visit of Pope Francis to the House of Representatives and how he was inspired to announce his resignation the following day. so I didn't hear the "meat" of Boehner's address and will not comment further on it.
VP Biden spoke following the former Speaker, in thoughts and words so typical of his heritage of faith and family, emphasizing the good of service to others, especially public service for the common good. He spoke of his father's words of inclusiveness to all, and of the errors of rationalizing one's lack of action when reaching out is the better answer. Joe spoke of meeting with Pope Francis upon the Pope's inauguration, with Francis telling VP Biden, "You're always welcome here." In his usual moving fashion, he retold of Beau's service to his nation, and of Beau's final words, "I'm not afraid. You'll be okay."
This Irish-Catholic never fails to tear up on hearing Joe Biden's heartfelt words, for I was brought up in the same traditions and still try to carry them out in daily life. Joe struck a spark in my spouse as well, even though not as politically inclined, as, unknown to me at the time, a donation was sent to Joe's 2004 campaign, unsolicited as far as I know. That donation was returned a few months later when Joe Biden ended his presidential campaign.
CSPAN may rerun the Notre Dame occasion, as they often do in this season of commencements. Highly recommended for fans of Joe.
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VP Biden is always just the best! 
