Yesterday I had the distinct privilege of watching President Obama bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom, with distinction, the highest U.S. civil honour, on Vice President Joe Biden. President Obama referred to him as “the finest Vice-President we have ever seen.” Coming a day after President-elect Donald Trump’s bizarre news conference, it was an extraordinary ceremony. It highlighted some key elements that are part of any successful business or personal relationship.
Eight and a half years ago, President Obama asked the then Senator Biden to become his Vice President. It should not be forgotten that Joe Biden ran against him to become the democratic nominee of his party. In selecting Biden, President Obama undoubtedly was looking for someone with extensive government experience but also someone with extensive life experience. Yesterday’s remarkable tribute said a lot of about their relationship and about the components of a truly successful relationship. Here are few take-aways from the speeches of the two men.
Shared Values Created a Strong Bond
The two men came from modest beginnings. The president was raised by his mother and her parents. His father played a minimal role in his life. He initially worked as a community organizer on the south side of Chicago. President Obama is a devoted husband and father.
The vice-president also came from modest beginnings and lived with his maternal grandparents for several years. He faced major tragedy is his life with the loss of his first wife and daughter and later his son Beau. He is also a very devoted family man. They both achieved career success through their intelligence, social skills and hard work.
Communication
Clearly these two gentlemen are very different people. President Obama brought a rational, analytical approach to politics while the vice president was known for his passionate, “off the cuff” remarks. But, they seemed to communicate well. While they would raise their voices and disagree on some issues (i.e. the attack on Bib Laden), they were able to be honest and open with one another.
Trust
Vice-president Biden was the last man to meet with the president before he reached a decision on major issues. This was a commitment he received from the president before he accepted the position. The president honored this commitment. There was obviously a high level of trust between the two men.
Respect
The president’s words said it all. “To know Joe Biden is to know love without pretense, service without self-regard and to live life fully.” Mr. Biden responded by saying that he had never met anyone who had “the integrity and the decency and the sense of other people’s needs like you do.” The citation with the medal noted Mr. Biden’s “charm, candor, unabashed optimism and deep and abiding patriotism,” as well as “his strength and grace to overcome great personal adversity.”
Brothers
President Obama referred to Joe Biden as “my brother.” The president stated that “my family is so proud to call ourselves honorary Bidens.”
Acknowledgement
President Obama did what any good leader does by acknowledging the performance of his subordinate. What a wonderful way to pay tribute to his close colleague and friend.
Summary
Life is about forming relationships . . . relationships with family, friends, bosses, subordinates and others. These men are role models for what a truly successful relationship looks like.
As a Canadian who lives in Canada but works in both countries, I have only been able to observe this relationship from a distance. It has been very impressive. While I may not have agreed with all of the positions taken by their administration, I have enormous respect for the two men and for what they have tried to do for America. As these two leaders leave their positions next week, I am profoundly sad to see them go. Their dignity, elegance and integrity have elevated America to a level I have not seen in my lifetime.
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