Beau Biden has died.

Filed in National by on May 30, 2015

According to the office of the Vice President. This is horrible news, and my heart goes out to the Vice President, and his family.

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  1. Kevin Ohlandt says:
    May 30, 2015 at 9:50 pm

    Very sorry to hear this news. Same day my mom passed away two years ago. I can’t imagine any parent outliving a child though. My prayers go out to the Bidens…

  2. shailen says:
    May 30, 2015 at 9:55 pm

    Tragic news. Life is precious and we often lose perspective about what is important. Thoughts and prayers with the Biden family today. Politics has no place here today.

  3. Delaware Dem says:
    May 30, 2015 at 10:06 pm

    Politics is for next week. And yes, there will be political ramifications to discuss. But not now.

    Here is the News Journal story. Dear Lord, I can hear the machines screeching to a halt down in New Castle as they tear up the Sunday edition.

  4. Delaware Dem says:
    May 30, 2015 at 10:11 pm

    Wow. The President’s statement is heartbreaking. You can tell he really likes and loves the Bidens. Will post it soon.

  5. Brian Pettyjohn says:
    May 30, 2015 at 10:27 pm

    Time for all of us to come together as a Delaware family and support the Bidens.

  6. Delaware Dem says:
    May 30, 2015 at 10:31 pm

    Agree. Joe Biden has been put through what no person should ever be put through. And now twice.

  7. Gina says:
    May 30, 2015 at 10:35 pm

    I genuinely feel sad right now. Sorry Joe that you have to bury a child, a parent should never have to do that. Beau was selfless and giving…This is a great loss for Delaware. RIP

  8. Delaware Dem says:
    May 30, 2015 at 10:43 pm

    Senator Coons: “Beau Biden was an extraordinary father, husband, son, and public servant, but above all, he was a good and decent man. His passing is a great loss for his family and friends and for Delaware.

    “Throughout his life, Beau never shied away from doing the right thing, even when it meant doing the hard thing. Beau served his country and community with honor, and that’s how he will be remembered.

    “My family knew Beau as a family man devoted to his wife, Hallie, and their children, Natalie and Hunter, and as a hardworking, kind-hearted person.

    “Annie and I are praying tonight for the entire Biden family – for Joe and Jill, for Hunter and Ashley, and for Hallie, Natalie, and Hunter – and we know they have the support and love of their neighbors all throughout our state.”

  9. Delaware Dem says:
    May 30, 2015 at 10:44 pm

    Governor Markell: “Carla and I are heartbroken for Hallie, his children, his parents, his siblings, and the entire Biden family. Beau spent his entire career in the service of his country and his state. He was an outstanding Attorney General, lawyer, soldier, and father. I feel privileged to have served with him and Delaware is a better place thanks to him.

    Beau was also a friend. He was unfailingly interested in the well being of Carla, my kids and my extended family. My entire family is shattered by his death.​”

    In honor and remembrance of Beau’s life, the Governor has directed that the U.S. and Delaware flags be flown at half-staff.

  10. pandora says:
    May 30, 2015 at 10:45 pm

    So horribly sad. My heart hurts for his family.

  11. Delaware Dem says:
    May 30, 2015 at 10:47 pm

    Gina and Pandora, that is the exact feeling. Profound sadness. And I am just so horribly sad for Vice President Biden. He had to bury a wife and a young daughter. That should have been enough heartbreak for a lifetime.

  12. Jason330 says:
    May 30, 2015 at 10:47 pm

    The family has has more than its share of tragedy

  13. Delaware Dem says:
    May 30, 2015 at 11:03 pm

    Senator Carper: “Martha and I just heard the news that Beau had passed away after a valiant struggle. Our hearts are breaking for Joe and Jill, for Hallie and their children, Natalie and Hunter, and for the entire Biden family. Beau represented all that is good about Delaware and our country. He was the complete package – bright; hardworking; incredibly loyal to his family; a loving son, brother, husband and father, principled; handsome; well-spoken; unassuming. He had the heart of a servant, too. His future seemed to know no bounds.
    I first met Beau when he was six years old. He was the son that any of us would be proud to call our own. It’s been a privilege to watch him grow up and become a leader in our state and in the Delaware National Guard. My last memory of Beau was during the Return Day Parade in Georgetown, Delaware two days after last November’s election. I was walking along the parade route shaking hands with people just as Beau passed by, standing in a National Guard vehicle, waiving at the crowd. For a moment, our eyes met, he waived to me and I to him. Then, he mouthed these words to me, “I love you.” I smiled and returned them to him. And, he was gone.”

  14. Delaware Dem says:
    May 30, 2015 at 11:05 pm

  15. Delaware Dem says:
    May 30, 2015 at 11:06 pm

  16. Delaware Dem says:
    May 30, 2015 at 11:16 pm

  17. Delaware Dem says:
    May 30, 2015 at 11:21 pm

    Congressman Carney: “Tracey and I are heartbroken. It’s one of those times when you imagine if you try hard enough, the news somehow won’t be true. There are no words deep enough to express our sense of loss, and there are certainly no words meaningful enough to express our sympathy to Hallie and the children, to Joe, Jill, Hunter, Ashley, Valerie, and all the family. Beau had a warm and generous spirit. He was a truly giving person, and he appreciated the good in others in the way we all should. He leaves a legacy of service, and also a great personal legacy that calls on each of us to be more gentle in our judgments and more gracious with our thanks. He was one of the best of the good guys.”

  18. Another Mike says:
    May 31, 2015 at 1:27 am

    I met Beau a few times. Wouldn’t say I knew him. But I’m a husband and a father, and there a few things that are worse than young children growing up without their dad. Beau seemed like a fine person.

  19. Delaware Dem says:
    May 31, 2015 at 6:16 am

    Attorney General Matt Denn: “My family and I share other Delawareans’ heartache tonight in hearing about Beau Biden’s passing. Our kids were about the same age, and more than anyone else I knew in politics, he appreciated the importance of taking care of his family before worrying about work or elections. It is a great loss to the state, but more importantly a crushing loss for his family, which needs all of our support.”

  20. Delaware Dem says:
    May 31, 2015 at 6:18 am

    State Representative Trey Paradee: “In the summer of 2008, I got a call from Beau Biden. He was the Delaware Attorney General at the time. I was running for 29th District Representative, and no one – and I mean, NO ONE – gave me a chance to win. Beau asked me if he could help my campaign by knocking on doors with me some evening. Beau and I were the same age and had met each other a few times, but we didn’t know each other very well, although our fathers had known each other from the early 70s. A day or two later, Beau met me in the neighborhood of Carlisle Village, and it was sweltering, probably 95+ degrees. We were both wearing button down dress shirts, and, within 20 minutes, we were both drenched in sweat as we went door-to-door-to-door campaigning. As we stood at one lady’s doorstep, a burly man came riding into the driveway on an impressive Harley Davidson. As he dismounted, you could tell by the look on his face that he had had a bad day. He immediately began chiding Beau and I about being “college boys” and not knowing what it was like to have to work in the hot sun. Beau waited for the gentleman to finish his tirade, and Beau very politely and charmingly said something like this: “Sir, you are correct in that I was very fortunate to be able to work in the air conditioning on a hot day like today, but, if you give me your name and address, I promise you that, four weeks from now when I am deployed in Iraq and its 115 degrees, I will send you a postcard.” Moments later, Beau and I were sitting at the dining room table with these folks, drinking lemonade, telling stories, and sharing a few laughs. As it turned out, the gentleman was a Vietnam Veteran. That was Beau.
    I have a few other stories I could share about Beau, but that is my favorite. You can say whatever you want about his politics, but the Beau I saw that day was compassionate, charming, and genuine. I am glad that I had the opportunity to get to know Beau over the past few years and call him a friend. So, yes, I am shedding a few tears and thinking about what might have been. The State of Delaware has lost a good son. God rest the soul of Beau Biden. Tonight, a veteran who lives in Carlisle Village rummaged through the drawers in his kitchen and pulled out the postcard that Beau sent him from Iraq 7 years ago. That was Beau.”

  21. El Somnambulo says:
    May 31, 2015 at 7:20 am

    Every parent fears the tragedy of having to bury one of their children.

    The tragedies that the Biden family has had to bear are heartbreaking.

    May Beau rest in peace, and may his family find solace in having known, nurtured, and loved him.

  22. Delaware Dem says:
    May 31, 2015 at 10:15 am

    State Representative Bryon Short: “I learned of Beau’s passing last night but couldn’t bring myself to write about it. I just needed some time. Beau was incredibly generous to Kristin and me. His family has had so much heartbreak. To lose a loving husband and father, dedicated brother and devoted son so young. It’s too much. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Biden family.”

  23. Delaware Dem says:
    May 31, 2015 at 12:27 pm

    House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf: “We all are numb at the news. A good man passed away Saturday night. Beau Biden lost his courageous battle with brain cancer. May he rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Biden family and all who knew this remarkable young man. Many of us in the House Democratic Caucus have fond personal memories of our times with Beau that we are reflecting on.

    “Professionally, we all remember working side-by-side with a man who cared deeply about making our communities safer for ‎Delaware‬ children and protecting our most vulnerable residents. Thanks to his diligent work, we can say that our laws protect children from dangerous individuals, and we are proud to have played a small role in that.

    “We cannot thank Hallie and their two children enough for sharing Beau with us. We have lost not just an outstanding public servant, but a great friend who cared about all of us . The entire Biden family has been a part of our lives for so long, we are all one family.”

  24. Joanne Christian says:
    May 31, 2015 at 12:38 pm

    While I hope to choose discretion in most matters, it is with utmost respect and contemplation I am sharing this story of private reflection. Given our 21st century nano-second media driven lives, and security landmines everywhere, it is here written because no doubt my sympathies will never reach “Joe and Jill”.

    Back in the day, having babysat the boys, “between things”, on the fly, and just until…..these 2 little guys were pals to some other little guys thrown in the mix following a direct beeline from frontdoor to backdoor and a basketball hoop in the driveway. The “famed” wooden spoon in one hand, and the stove commanding my eyes, all the boys were watched thru the intercom then in the 70’s–my voice thru the screened kitchen backdoor. All was well.
    Life went on. Joe remarried. A second term. A baby sister. A surprise college talk because Joe’s family skiis with Orin’s family as a regular vacation, and we quickly chatted and caught up…yes, boys fine, Archmere now……
    Life went on. I return East and ultimately to the MOT area, when lo and behold Beau Biden becomes the AG. Still seems like a nice guy.
    Life went on. AG Biden speaks one evening at the Redding Middle School, I don’t know—on-line predators?, cyber-security for your kids?……..
    And I’m standing at the door, the audience in place, he is hurrying while the discussion/presentation continues…….to exit. And I hear muffled…”I was the best one wasn’t I?” Startled, I chuckled and he repeated, “I was the best one wasn’t I?” Still moving, now I’m moving to…and I knew he remembered a babysitter with a ceremonial wooden spoon, a kitchen screen intercom, a guaranteed loser at HORSE, and I still said…..”now, you know I’m not going to answer that, but yes, you were easier than some of the others…..” “Oh c’mon, just tell me I was better than….”
    Beau….you were the best. Your parents should be so proud (and relieved). And all the platitudes being thought, written, sent, and delivered as commentary on your life, as a good, polite, well-intended, respectful, obedient (meant “parental, and citizenship”–not as in animal Del Lib 🙂 ), joyful, honest, and downright decent man and human being, was evident even as a little boy. You were the example, and you are the example. Well done.

    No pictures, no poses, no favors, no mention. Just a rememberance of the boy who was always being his best into one of Delaware’s finest men, and sons.

    I am so sorry Biden Family.

  25. Calvin sparks says:
    May 31, 2015 at 12:54 pm

    My heart is broken for his family.

  26. Rusty Dils says:
    May 31, 2015 at 1:40 pm

    Condolences to all of the Beau Biden family

  27. Delaware Dem says:
    May 31, 2015 at 3:58 pm

    Former Delaware governor and Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Castle:”My God, he’s just a young man. … It’s just so difficult. … I never heard a disparaging word about him as a person.”

  28. Delaware Dem says:
    May 31, 2015 at 3:59 pm

    Dennis P. Williams: “As a dedicated Attorney General and soldier, Beau devoted his career to proudly serving his country and home state. It was an honor to serve alongside him as he worked tirelessly to fight for the powerless and protect the most vulnerable, our children.”

    New Castle County Executive Tom Gordon: “The good die young. … He was a rock star. … He had a great image, great character. He was just a friendly, approachable individual.”

    Charlie Copeland, chairman of the Delaware Republican Party: “This is truly tragic news. … Beau served his country and the citizens of Delaware with honor and dignity. He leaves behind a lasting impact on the world around him. He will be missed.”

  29. Joanne Christian says:
    May 31, 2015 at 4:21 pm

    And FWIW, Beau passed away on the “real” Memorial Day–May 30th. Perhaps not on active duty, but always in the service of home, state, or country. Discreet yet fitting. ….

  30. Liberal Elite says:
    May 31, 2015 at 5:04 pm

    Are we still demanding his medical records?

    Or more succinctly… Was the oft-repeated demand seen here that he “come clean” ever really appropriate?

    My condolences to the Biden family.

  31. Delaware Dem says:
    May 31, 2015 at 5:32 pm

    Liberal Elite, I was not going to address that until later this coming week after Beau had been laid to rest, but since you bring it up: Yes, it was absolutely appropriate and Beau’s death does not change that in retrospect. Until last night, we, the general public, and indeed most everyone outside of the Biden family and his doctors, had no idea that Beau was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013 nor did we know it had reoccurred. All the while, Beau was an officeholder, and then an announced candidate for higher office. I am not going to apologize for thinking that the public had a right to know that, especially when Beau had every intention of running for Governor.

    Beau’s death, and his struggle against brain cancer, is devastating, and I would like to think that if the public, and even his close friends and supporters, had been made aware of Beau’s condition over the past two years, that Beau and his family would have found much more support and comfort during what had to be a difficult and unimaginably horrible time. But they chose to keep it private.

    That is, of course, their right. Just like it is my right to criticize a lack of transparency when I see it.

    Your position, Liberal Elite, is extremely puzzling to me. You seem to suggest that, had we known that Beau Biden had brain cancer, we would not have made such demands for disclosure. Well, isn’t that the whole point: “had we known?”

    If we knew, I would not be there demanding daily medical briefings. I, like most everyone, would have backed off and wished him all the best in his fight against the disease.

  32. Liberal Elite says:
    May 31, 2015 at 6:07 pm

    @DD “Your position, Liberal Elite, is extremely puzzling to me.”

    Thanks for this…
    I apologize for using this as a teaching moment. I see It was perhaps too soon.

    My position is that people have a right to medical privacy. And in the end, those who hold that privacy when others think they should not, usually end up with a measure of vindication. That’s what we have here.

    Put yourself in his shoes for a moment. How would you have handled it?

    … and that is why this is a teaching moment about medical privacy.

  33. Delaware Dem says:
    May 31, 2015 at 6:18 pm

    Teaching moment? Look, reasonable decent people are going to disagree with one another on this one because we do have two legitimate concerns colliding: the right to privacy versus the public’s right to know. And I think the compromise between the two positions is pretty simple: if you are a public official, candidate, or figure, your right to privacy regarding your health is going to be diminished.

    But for now, let’s leave this fight for another time.

  34. Anonymous says:
    June 1, 2015 at 8:24 am

    Deepest condolences for the Biden family, during this time. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.

  35. Geezer says:
    June 1, 2015 at 11:32 am

    “Was the oft-repeated demand seen here that he “come clean” ever really appropriate?”

    Yes, it was. Interesting that you would try to push through your position in an emotional moment, but yes, what Beau Biden did was dishonest. Sorry you disagree, but the fact that he was hiding what we thought he was hiding supports our position, not yours.

    The fact that the person taking this position was a good and decent man who will be greatly missed does not change that.

  36. Dorian Gray says:
    June 1, 2015 at 11:44 am

    That only assumes that one agrees with DD’s comment that a “public figure” is required to disclose person health information. This is a very, very precarious position to take and I completely disagree with it. Was Biden in office or a candidate for any office this year? The fact that people who have no obligation to you don’t tell you everything you wish to know about them doesn’t equate to “hiding” anything.

    I’m not a sentimental man. Everyone dies. I didn’t know the guy and I really don’t have any feeling about this news one way or the other. But now we know that the guy was on his death bed and you lot still push this “transparency” idea.

    You guys are way too wrapped up in this strange DE political bubble, arguing with anonymous Dover staffers who comment here and conspiracy theories about that woman who got the job at the Medical Examiners office.

    Biden was a private citizen who was weeks from death and you still fancy yourselves watchdogs or something. Maybe you can go and talk about it on that radio show 8 people listen to…

  37. Geezer says:
    June 1, 2015 at 11:59 am

    Yes, he was attorney general until the middle of January. And he had announced his candidacy for governor in 2016.

    There is no “requirement” that someone disclose such information. But if he indeed ran for governor, would it be right to hide a diagnosis of brain cancer? Does the expectation of honesty change with the significance of the office?

    These are fair questions, and in the world of Delaware politics — don’t read it if you don’t care for it, by the way — important ones.

    If people want to offer reasoned explanations of why the expectation of honesty is wrong, have at it. But I’m offended by the notion that such questions shouldn’t be raised because you’re offended by it. Your position is basically that people should stop asking questions you don’t like. The only reasonable response to that is to ignore it, but I’ll add an unreasonable “fuck you, too” so you don’t miss the point.

  38. ben says:
    June 1, 2015 at 12:15 pm

    It’s not like people KNEW he was on his death bed. I feel like if his family or office said something to the effect of “Beau is gravely ill, please give our family privacy and space at this time”, the topic would have been dropped here (and elsewhere) until new information came out. that never happened. Now, at least, I think we can agree the issue is passed and it’s time to make sure Tom Gordon does not become the next governor.

  39. Jason330 says:
    June 1, 2015 at 12:29 pm

    “…but yes, what Beau Biden did was dishonest.”

    I think it was Joe Biden 100% in control of the level of secrecy. That is based on nothing other than my gut.

  40. Dave says:
    June 1, 2015 at 12:51 pm

    Unless someone in the know is forthcoming, none of us actually know why he did not share his condition with the public. Maybe he was praying for a miracle, or even seeking revenge on the body politic for it happening to him and not them.

    I kinda think that he was simply protecting his children from the expected discussion in the public sphere that daddy is dying so that they could get through it together privately. Considering his feelings about family, that’s as likely an explanation as any. I’ll not fault him for that. Public servant or not, family, especially children, come first.

  41. Linda says:
    June 1, 2015 at 12:58 pm

    I think its unreasonable to think of Beau Biden of having been a 2016 gubernatorial candidate. Yes, he did say in 2014 that he was running in 2016 and it did have the real effect of freezing the field. But was he really a candidate? There was no campaign, no formal announcement, nothing except that announcement and then a retreat to private life. Am I wrong about that? My humble opinion — and only that– is that he’s not be be faulted for not disclosing the return of his cancer when he was in fact, a private individual who had said he was running for Governor. Oh and Geezer, to obviate the inevitable, I’ll say it for you: “fuck me for my opinion.”

  42. Delaware Dem says:
    June 1, 2015 at 1:11 pm

    That’s all true, Linda. No official campaign announcement, no official campaign with staff. And he has criticized for that, by me and others, because his announcement had the affect of freezing the field for not only the Governor’s race but all other statewide races, and yet all we had was the announcement and then nothing.

    I don’t call Beau’s actions dishonest. He never lied. But there was still a lack of transparency. All he ever had to say was “hey, I have brain cancer, and please give me and my family some privacy while I fight this. And when I recover, it is still my plan to run for Governor.”

    But, to all our sorrow, that is in the past now. It makes little sense to continue debating it now. Hopefully this situation never arises again.

  43. Linda says:
    June 1, 2015 at 1:13 pm

    “But, to all our sorrow, that is in the past now. It makes little sense to continue debating it now. Hopefully this situation never arises again.”

    Agreed.

  44. Geezer says:
    June 1, 2015 at 1:32 pm

    No, Linda, your opinion is fine. The “F U” is in return for people who tell me it’s none of my business.

    I agree with Dave. It took me a long time to realize it, but my guess — and it is only a guess — is that Beau did not want the Ted Kennedy farewell tour, and that he wanted to spend as much time as he could with his wife and kids.

    I also agree with DD that a simple “give us our privacy” request would have cleared all this up and kept the questions at bay. I disagree with him about the honesty of his chosen course. If Beau didn’t know, those close to him did know that the claim of candidacy froze the rest of the field. The truth isn’t merely the absence of a lie — that’s why the court demands a vow of “the whole truth.”

    And, despite the wishes of many, this situation absolutely will arise again, just with someone else in the spotlight. That’s why these questions demand dispassionate answers — for many people it’s almost impossible to discuss it dispassionately when an actual suffering person and family are involved.

  45. Geezer says:
    June 1, 2015 at 1:38 pm

    Linda referred to the “return” of Beau’s cancer. We don’t know about the truth of that statement, because we have not been told what form of brain cancer he had.

    From its description as a “lesion” rather than a “mass” to the speed of his decline, my guess would be that it was glioblastoma, in which case no doctor would have said he was in “remission.”

    You can make whatever excuses you like for the deception, but you cannot convincingly claim that nobody meant to deceive the public here.

  46. Mikem2784 says:
    June 1, 2015 at 2:16 pm

    I find this whole discussion to be distasteful because it is simply “too soon.” I know, I don’t have to read it, but for God’s sake, have some respect and decency. Save this argument for a month from now or for when candidates for the office of governor start to announce. Arguing about it won’t change a damned thing anyway at this point. A young man, a decent man by all accounts I’ve seen, lost his live and his whole family is heartbroken.

  47. Dorian Gray says:
    June 1, 2015 at 2:25 pm

    The ‘Fuck You’ was to me, I think. And I appreciate it! I wallow in vulgarity like a rooting hog.

    For the record, I wasn’t offended that some kept asking/pushing on that score. I think I was pretty clear in stating that I frankly didn’t care.

    My point was that you are making yourself looking like a idiot. He wasn’t a candidate for anything and he wasn’t in elected office when he was admitted to hospital the last time. That’s the end of it.

    Some of you guys are just so embroiled in the ‘inside baseball’ you don’t see it like a regular person sees it.

    I’ve actually made points like this before. A lot of the contributors here have great information and an interesting take on things, but many tend to get trapped in an esoteric echo-chamber of small time conspiracy theories and Legistlative Hall soap opera. It makes you look very silly.

  48. Dorian Gray says:
    June 1, 2015 at 2:27 pm

    The ‘Fuck You’ was to me, I think. And I appreciate it! I wallow in vulgarity like a rooting hog.

    For the record, I wasn’t offended that some kept asking/pushing on that score. I think I was pretty clear in stating that I frankly didn’t care.

    My point was that you are making yourself looking like a idiot. He wasn’t a candidate for anything and he wasn’t in elected office when he was admitted to hospital the last time. That’s the end of it.

    Some of you guys are just so embroiled in the ‘inside baseball’ you don’t see it like a regular person sees it.

    I’ve actually made points like this before. A lot of the contributors here have great information and an interesting take on things, but many tend to get trapped in an esoteric echo-chamber of small time conspiracy theories and Legistlative Hall soap opera. It makes you look very silly and unserious. Tabloid/Fox Newsy if you get my drift.

  49. Linda says:
    June 1, 2015 at 4:33 pm

    Mikem, it was a distasteful discussion all along.

  50. Delaware Dem says:
    June 1, 2015 at 4:42 pm

    Sigh. Alright, so the public has no right to know the health of their officeholders or candidates. Got it.

  51. Delaware Dem says:
    June 1, 2015 at 4:44 pm

    Someone please alert President Obama to stop releasing his yearly physical results.

  52. Delaware Dem says:
    June 1, 2015 at 4:59 pm

    And with that, I am closing the comments on this thread.

    The White House has offered a memorial page for Beau Biden where you can offer a tribute or send a message to the Biden family.

    https://m.whitehouse.gov/webform/memory-beau-biden

    Hand-written notes can be mailed them to the Bidens at the White House, according to the vice president’s office. The address, with a Zip code specific to the Bidens, is:

    The White House
    Vice President Biden and Dr. Jill Biden
    1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
    Washington, DC 20501

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