Watch: Joe Biden Opens His Soul To Stephen Colbert In An Interview Unlike Any Ever Seen Before

Vice President Joe Biden talks about his thoughts about running in 2016, the loss of his son, and about his family, and his faith in one of the most moving and unique interviews of all time. 

One of the most unique characteristics of Joe Biden is his genuineness. At all time, for better or for worse, he says what he thinks and feels and you know what you’re hearing comes straight from his heart and soul. That was magnified exponentially Thursday night as he sat down with Stephen Colbert on the pundit’s brand new CBS “Late Night” talk show.

“I don’t think any man or woman should run for president unless, number one, they know exactly why they would want to be president and two, they can look at folks out there and say, ‘I promise you have my whole heart, my whole soul, my energy, and my passion,'” the Vice President told Colbert and the audience.

“And, and, I’d be lying if I said that I knew I was there. I’m being completely honest. Nobody has a right in my view to seek that office unless they are willing to give it 110 percent of who they are.”

“Why in the world would you want the job if you couldn’t say what you believe. If you’re going to run, you’re running for a reason. If you can’t state why you want the job, there’s a lot more lucrative opportunities other places.”

The conversation turned quickly to Biden’s tragic loss of his son Beau to brain cancer in May. 

“My son was better than me. He was better than me in every way,” Biden said. But he also expressed empathy for others who have experienced great personal loss, saying the attention he’s received is “a little embarrassing. So many people who have losses as severe or maybe worse than mine and don’t have the support I have.” 

Biden talked about his faith in a very personal way, explaining how it has gotten him through the loss of his son, and decades ago, the loss of his first wife and a daughter. It’s “enormous sense of solace,” he said.

Biden spoke in loving terms of Dr. Jill Biden, his second wife, who, he said, tapes notes for him to see while he’s shaving, on his bathroom mirror. 

“Faith sees best in the dark,” was one, a quote from the 19th century Danish philosopher, Kierkegaard.

Here is the complete interview, in two parts. It is a masterpiece.

 

Image: Screenshot via The Late Show with Stephen Colbert/YouTube