Ashley Biden, the 43-year-old daughter of President Biden, made a rare appearance in the spotlight on Monday night at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. As her father delivered what would be one of his final and most historic speeches as president, Ashley took the stage to introduce him to the audience.
Known for her work as a social worker in Philadelphia, Ashley offered a unique perspective on her father, portraying him not only as one of the most significant leaders in history but also as the original “girl dad.” She shared a touching story about how her father always encouraged her to pursue her dreams, telling her that she could be anything and do anything she set her mind to.
“He told me I could be anything and I could do anything,” Ashley said. “And he wasn’t just a girl dad. I could see that he valued and trusted women. How he listened to his mother. How he believed in his sister. And most of all, how he respected my mother’s career. Dad was always there doing everything he could to be a true partner to her. Dad, you always tell us but we don’t tell you enough that you are the love of our lives and the life of our love.”
Ashley also reminisced about special moments with her father, such as when he took the Amtrak train from Washington, D.C., to Delaware on her eighth birthday just to hug her and watch her delight at seeing her birthday cake. She fondly recalled her wedding reception in her parents’ backyard more than a decade ago, when Mr. Biden was vice president, and how he made sure everything was perfect, even getting emotional during the event.
“And by the way, he was very emotional,” she said. “I thought that I would be a mess, but he was the one crying, and I was the one that had to comfort him.” Despite the passage of time, Ashley expressed that her father is still her best friend.
The emotional speech took a poignant turn when Ashley reflected on the loss of her brother, Beau Biden, who passed away from brain cancer in 2015. She shared the pain she and her brother Hunter felt at the time and how their father had the capacity to step out of his own grief to comfort them.
“Dad had the capacity to step out of his own pain and absorb ours,” she said. “And I know Beau is with us tonight, as he is always with us.” President Biden has faced immense personal tragedy, having lost two of his four children, including his first wife and daughter in a tragic accident in 1972.
Ashley urged the crowd to continue fighting for the causes they believe in, emphasizing the importance of working harder than ever before. “So tonight, I am asking you if you stood with us in 2020, call upon your courageous heart,” she said. “Stand with us today. Work harder than you have ever worked before in your life. This is the fight of our lifetime.”
After her moving speech, President Biden, visibly moved by his daughter’s words, dabbed at his eyes and praised her as “incredible.” Ashley’s presence at the convention was a testament to the close bond she shares with her father and her unwavering support for his political career.
Throughout the evening, Ashley’s brother Hunter, who has been embroiled in legal troubles, also made an appearance with his children at the end of President Biden’s speech. Despite the challenges their family has faced, the Bidens remain united and resilient in the face of adversity.
As the night came to a close, Ashley’s heartfelt tribute to her father resonated with the audience, showcasing the personal side of President Biden that many may not have seen before. Her words served as a reminder of the strength and compassion that have defined his leadership both in the public eye and within his own family.
In a time of uncertainty and division, Ashley’s message of love, unity, and perseverance served as a beacon of hope for the future. As the nation prepares for a new chapter in its history, the Biden family’s unwavering commitment to each other and to the values they hold dear will undoubtedly continue to inspire and uplift those around them.
