A social worker from Philadelphia, Ashley portrayed her father not only as "one of the most consequential leaders in history" but also as the "OG girl dad."
"He told me I could be anything and do anything," she shared.
Ashley emphasized that her father wasn't just a loving 'girl dad' to her; he consistently valued and trusted the women in his life. "I saw it in 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."
Recalling cherished memories, Ashley spoke of her eighth birthday when her father, then a U.S. senator, took the Amtrak train from Washington, D.C., to Delaware just to hug her and see her face light up at her birthday cake. She also reminisced about her wedding reception in her parents' backyard over a decade ago, during her father’s tenure as vice president. He made sure everything was perfect, and though she expected to be the emotional one, it was he who ended up in tears.
“All these years later, Dad, you are still my best friend,” she said.
Reflecting on the loss of her brother Beau Biden to brain cancer in 2015, Ashley shared how her father found the strength to step out of his own grief to support her and her brother Hunter. "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."
Acknowledging the immense losses her father has endured, losing two of his four children, Ashley made a heartfelt plea to the audience. "So tonight, I am asking you, if you stood with us in 2020, call upon your courageous heart. Stand with us today. Work harder than you have ever worked before in your life. This is the fight of our lifetime."
After her emotional speech, President Biden dabbed at his eyes, overwhelmed by the moment, and called his daughter "incredible."
Earlier this year, Ashley was a constant presence at her brother Hunter’s trial in Wilmington, Delaware, where he faced federal gun charges. Hunter, who was convicted in June, made an appearance with his children at the end of President Biden's speech.
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