Due to his fifty years in politics, Joe Biden probably has a story behind every journalist in Washington D.C. This is evident in his dealings with journalists too; for him growing up was having an understanding that all politics are local. As he moves towards the end of public service likened with a human touch, one moment stands out to me.
In 2005, USA TODAY carried a critical 10-year assessment regarding Clinton administration’s COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) project which aimed to add 100,000 police officers across America.Unless noted otherwise the report didn’t sit well with the main COPS architect then who was senator Biden ,who called me and expressed displeasure about it. Listening to his frustrations I was still caught between tending my roots and high school where Joe attended namely Archmere academy. Little did I know that this would evoke tenderness in our talk as we ended up discussing family matters and sporting events.
Biden’s Relatable Nature
In this instance, Biden’s characteristically friendly style shines through in the interaction. A former reporter used to relate the story where Biden recognized her on a train and talked without stopping until he alighted in Wilmington. There is also an instance where he remained patient with journalists, always staying behind after sessions finishing up when everyone else had left.
My wife, who does communication consultancy, once pleaded with then Vice President Joe Biden while they were taking photographs at the White House about our clan connection to him. Even when he was being urged by President Obama to hurry up and go to other well-wishers, Biden still held onto her hand firmly. As his swan song nears in politics; Biden’s practice of personal branding is imbued with significance. On the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, he visited Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and paid homage to other savvy political players. The career path taken by Biden exemplifies the notion that all politics is purely local or human-centred.
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