Biden chokes up in recalling Steelers’ kindness

[AnnieBW]

http://www.dailyamerican.com/articles/2008/09/29/news/state/s_news207.txt

Friday, September 26, 2008 6:08 AM EDT

GREENSBURG, Pa. — Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden teared up Thursday when he shared a vignette of how former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rocky Bleier presented his two young sons with autographed footballs after the fatal crash that killed his wife and daughter.

Biden wiped away tears at a campaign appearance in Greensburg, about 20 miles east of Pittsburgh, as he told the story after team owner Dan Rooney’s introduction.

Though Biden represented Delaware, where he said one was either a Baltimore Colts or Philadelphia Eagles fan, he said his boys Beau and Hunter “liked the black and gold,” drawing applause from the crowd.

After the December 1972 crash, Biden had been keeping vigil in the hospital for his sons, but left to buy them a Christmas tree a couple days before Christmas.

“I came back and they, they looked like they had lighted up like Christmas trees. My one little boy was in traction and the other little boy had a seriously fractured skull and they were happy, and they each had separately, they had footballs in their beds,” he said.

Biden paused for about 10 seconds in the Greensburg Salem High School gym to compose himself and the crowd applauded.

“I said, ’Guys, where’d you get the ball?’ and they said ’Daddy, Rocky Bleier gave it to us,”’ Biden said, again to applause.

Steelers’ founder Art Rooney Sr. — Dan Rooney’s father — sent Bleier to Wilmington “without any fanfare, without any announcement, without anything other than his incredible decency,” said Biden, again wiping away tears.

“I really apologize, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have tried to do this,” he said. “It’s a helluva family, it’s a helluva a family.”

Bleier, now a motivational speaker, was traveling and did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

In introducing Biden, Dan Rooney touted the Obama-Biden ticket and said, “Joe Biden plays for our team.”

[timber84]

1. GOOOOOOOOOO STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[asdjrocky]

2. Like any politician-

There are things I disagree with Biden on, but for the most part, I think he's the real deal and I'm I'll be damn proud to have him as a VP.

[goclark]

3. I love Joe Biden ~ he is the real deal nt

[Beaverhausen]

4. oh

:cry:

Joe has been through so much.


And I just read the thread about how he will give the "deployment address" the day after his debate to the group leaving for Iraq from Delaware that includes Beau.

:cry:

[RagAss]

5. Jeeeez...you have me crying here...

[gateley]

6. HERE'S THE VIDEO:

And grab a hankie

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=385&topic_id=198169&mesg_id=198169

[Beaverhausen]

12. thanks for posting that.

[RollWithIt]

7. I'm a Browns fan and that made me cry... which is saying something

Touching...

[yardwork]

13. Ok, now I'm laughing!

[Jennicut]

8. Its on you tube. I cried when I watched it.

Joe is a good guy.

[Fridays Child]

9. ...

Democratic vice presidential candidate, Joe Biden, D-Del.,
collects himself while telling a story during a visit to
Greensburg-Salem High School in Greensburg, Pa., on
Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008. Biden spoke of the visit by
former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rocky Bleir to
the hospital room of his critically injured son after a
car accident in which his first wife and 2-year-old
daughter were killed.
(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

[CoffeeCat]

10. I love that Joe Biden...

I love that Joe Biden is so real. He is not afraid to cry and to show emotion. He's also
a stellar, serious foreign-policy expert. His depth of knowledge is remarkable.

It's so extraordinary to see a serious politician also be a very emotionally honest
person who shares so much of his life with the country.

I'm totally in awe of Joe Biden. Even if you disagree with his politics, there is no denying
that Biden is a devoted husband and loving father who would do anything for his children.

He's experienced more heartache in his lifetime that most of us will never endure. Biden
is still willing to share his heart with the public--even though his job only requires him
to share his expertise and political skills.

I am so thankful that he is Obama's running mate--and the next Vice President of the United States!

[yardwork]

11. Ok, now I'm crying.

Joe Biden, you are....words fail me.

I'm so proud to have this ticket to vote for this year.

[tabasco]

14. What made the Steelers great was great people.

Starting with the Chief.

[skids]

15. And better yet, he's pretty darn sure it wasn't the Packers. n/t

[FightingIrish]

16. Rocky Bleier is about as heroic as they come.

He didn't expect a free pass for his Vietnam service and sacrifice. He came home and did the impossible on another field. What a great story. I can't blame Joe for tearing up. I sue did.