Why subscribe? Note the kind words of James, a new paid subscriber: "I love your writing and perspective, thanks for all you do for us readers to be informed and to see the real deal." Snapshot: Joe Biden, A Special Man The president shares his essential humanity in a heartfelt appearance Steven Beschloss Aug 20 After his speech: President Joe Biden and his grandson, Beau Biden, Jr. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images) It was hard to process just how unique Joe Biden’s speech last night was. A sitting president deciding to relinquish his candidacy for a second term to his vice president (talk about the ultimate expression of a peaceful transfer of power). Arriving on stage at the Democratic National Convention, wiping tears from his eyes, after his daughter lovingly introduced him. Telling the exuberant crowd with a smile that he loves his wife more than she loves him (“she walks down the stairs, and I still get that going boom, boom, boom”). Sharing the credit for many of his signature achievements with his vice president. Insisting that his selection of Kamala Harris was “the best decision I made in my whole career.” Asserting that his VP will be “a historic president who puts her stamp on America’s future.” Promising to be the “best volunteer the Harris and Walz camp have ever seen.” Hugging his VP (now on stage) as she said to him, more than once, “I love you.” Exiting the stage, surrounded by his loving family and holding the hand of his four-year-old grandson named Beau. The speech was fiery, at times angry, and heartfelt. It was the expression of a man who deeply loves his family and deeply loves his country—and is not afraid to say or show it. He used the word “love” 16 times over the course of his speech, including this: “I love the job, but I love my country more.” This was a profoundly accomplished U.S. president sharing with all of us both his fundamental patriotism and his essential humanity. Long after future generations may struggle to detail his specific achievements, they will know about his character. Consider what it takes for a man to relinquish power from the most powerful position in the world—and then deliver words this tender and elegiac (taken from lyrics to a song called “American Anthem”): The work and prayers of centuries/Have brought us to this day/What shall be our legacy?/What will our children say? Let me know in my heart/When my days are through/America, America/I gave my best to you  He followed up this touching recitation with this remarkable self-assessment: I've made a lot of mistakes in my career. But I gave my best to you. For 50 years, like many of you, I've given my heart and soul to our nation. And I've been blessed a million times in return for the support of the American people. I really have been too young to be in the Senate because I wasn't 30 yet, and now I'm too old to stay as president. But I hope you know how grateful I am to all of you. Throughout the speech, the teary-eyed crowd hoisted “We love Joe” signs and chanted: “Thank you, Joe.” Indeed, America has been lucky to have a man this good, decent and capable in our White House.