The time I met Joe Biden

In which John discusses the time he met Joe Biden in what upon reflection was not St. Louis.
(And make sure your friends have a plan to vote!)

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[vlogbrothers]

And encourage your friends to make their voting plans!

[ethanrepublic]

Can't believe TikTok phenomenon John Green got meet Joe Biden.

[vinayakohri]

I remember john saying something like "I don't want to be a part of us that makes a them out of the most vulnerable people out there" about the health crisis in Sierra Leonen and he has said a lot of amazing things some that made me laugh and some that made me cry but somehow nothing stuck with me like this one quote and even though the context of that video and this one are different to a certain extent, I think that that one quote is applicable here as well

[ScottKorin]

"He asked me about Esther"

At this point, I think it becomes obvious that Joe actually knows who John is, ya know? LIke who knows about Esther besides actual Nerdfighters?

[maplz]

I met Joe Biden in 2008 when I was 9 in the town I was living in in Indiana during the general election, Indiana was a swing state so I was able to attend A rally with Obama and the next day Joe had a separate event. I made my mom take me early to joes event because I remember how awesome Obamas was, and as a child I was so exited that I yelled and yelled during his brief address, he took a moment to pause and acknowledge me and thank me for my enthusiasm. I replied that I couldn't wait to be a democrat, and he said into the mike that I could be anything I wanted to be. It was honestly unobtrusive to the event and im sure everyone around me was rather annoyed at my antics but he responded in a humorous and humble way that struck me as kind even as a child.

[Carolyn]

I live in Iowa, so seeing presidential candidates and having the chance to talk to them is not unusual. But there’s a story from a former neighbor of mine that is another example of Joe Biden’s character and down-to-earthness. She had the chance to meet him at a random event and then she attended another event months later and had the chance to talk to him again, and he still remembered her name. She didn’t hold any positions and wasn’t even a campaign volunteer. There were no specific connections, but Joe Biden still remembered

[tinadorr-kapczynski]

pretty sure this is the most wholesome comments section of a political youtube video in the history of the internet just sayin

[annakeet]

“And then he asked about Esther.” I don’t remember giving you permission to make me cry, John.

[signeedssleep]

“If you want to know what a man’s like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.” -Sirius Black

This line of thinking has stuck with me for years. As someone who does frequent interviews in my line of work, I can tell a lot more about applicants by the way they interact with the person at the door or behind the counter than by the way they answer my questions. Same thing with corporate- it’s always an indication that a higher up truly has the interests of everyone at heart if they come into my store and strike up a conversation with the cashier and the dishwasher. Go vote, guys.

[nataliejasien]

Just voted 20 minutes ago with my mom as my buddy. She has not voted in 41 years. Let's hope it helps.

[Mangzorz]

At the end of the day, I don't agree with all of Biden's policies, as I want more of a progressive platform, but it is very clear that Biden isn't in this for himself and he's a genuine guy. What you see is what you get with him, and I respect that. I did vote for him in Texas this year, and I do hope he wins.

[SeanFictional]

I'd honestly be disappointed if Vlogbrothers suddenly stopped being political? These aren't times to be silent on important issues =)

[joellelamaie]

As a teenager trying to filter out my own opinion from what I'm hearing from my parents and the media, it is extraordinarily relieving to see one of my favorite people in the world remind me that politics can still be human. That it can still be and should be kind. I want to share this with everyone I know, especially my debate team. Thank you, John.

[Robjestopje]

Damn John, that is an annectdote that truly provides a perspective on Joe Biden. An expected one. I think we should all be measured by how we treat the people that society deems 'lesser than', or even maybe even 'the least'. This video really calmed some of the ever ongoing anxiety of how terrible everything and everyone can be, and offers a comforting picture, not of a policitian, but of a kind and caring person. Thank you.

[johnchessant]

I don't think Biden's policies go far enough, but there's no denying that he can connect to people emotionally. For that reason alone he's infinitely better than Trump, and I'm glad to have voted for him last week.

[DaleWesley]

I met Vice President Biden twice in my office. The first time, he spent a few minutes with anyone that wanted to talk to him about anything at all. I told him I had a baby girl on the way and he seemed really excited for me. The second time he came through was several months later. When he saw me, he asked if my girl had been born yet and his face lit up when I showed him a picture of her.

Everyone I know that has met him has similar stories. Think what you want about his policies, but he is a genuinely kind, caring, and compassionate person.

[Luchabul]

Waiting for the "why are you being so political" comments as though Hank hasn't been vocally angry this whole administration

[clairezalla]

Next time just say your favorite Gilligan's Island episode is "the one where they almost get off the island." :)

[marlisawootton]

My new political mantra - we cannot us-vs-them our way out of anything ❤

[amyh]

I voted for Biden. It's the first time I've voted Democrat since I turned 18 which was over 20 years ago. It needed to happen. This country needs a change.