Billed as a farewell, an unsuspecting Biden broke down as Obama announced, “I am pleased to award our nation’s highest civilian honour: the presidential medal of freedom.”
“This also gives the internet one last chance to talk about our Bromance,” Obama joked.
The medal was awarded with distinction, a special level previously reserved for recipients like Pope John Paul II and Neil Armstrong.
"To know Joe Biden is to know love without pretense, service without self-regard, and to live life fully." —@POTUS honoring @VP pic.twitter.com/ayKhKh4GWS
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) 13 gennaio 2017
The vice president was caught off guard, but thanked Obama saying the award was more than he deserved, adding, “I was part of a journey of a remarkable man who did remarkable things for this country.”
Barack Obama has awarded 123 presidential medals, the largest number from a single president, notably honouring the arts and sports. (Joanna Gill - Euronews)