1 00:00:13,300 --> 00:00:15,020 The people of this nation have spoken. 2 00:00:17,420 --> 00:00:19,660 They've delivered us a clear victory. 3 00:00:20,380 --> 00:00:21,860 A convincing victory. 4 00:00:21,860 --> 00:00:27,500 A victory for we, the people. 5 00:00:27,500 --> 00:00:29,860 (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) 6 00:00:29,860 --> 00:00:34,100 MAN: Joe Biden has been defined in public life... 7 00:00:35,500 --> 00:00:37,820 ..by heartbreak and empathy. 8 00:00:37,820 --> 00:00:38,060 MAN: It's sort of a political story ..by heartbreak and empathy. 9 00:00:38,060 --> 00:00:42,100 MAN: It's sort of a political story you could not have imagined. 10 00:00:42,100 --> 00:00:46,380 This man who's wanted to be president for half a century 11 00:00:46,380 --> 00:00:46,620 This man who's wanted to be and failed to do it over and over 12 00:00:46,620 --> 00:00:48,980 and failed to do it over and over 13 00:00:48,980 --> 00:00:49,220 and now finds himself at this moment and failed to do it over and over 14 00:00:49,220 --> 00:00:53,500 and now finds himself at this moment of really abject national crisis, 15 00:00:53,500 --> 00:00:55,060 and that's the moment 16 00:00:55,060 --> 00:00:59,340 when the country sees him for the first time really. 17 00:00:59,340 --> 00:01:02,980 MAN: (SHOUTS) Oh, yeah! Whoa! They broke through! It's on! 18 00:01:02,980 --> 00:01:05,900 MAN: I don't think any president, certainly in my lifetime, 19 00:01:05,900 --> 00:01:06,140 MAN: I don't think any president, has faced the problems 20 00:01:06,140 --> 00:01:07,300 has faced the problems 21 00:01:07,300 --> 00:01:10,180 that Joe Biden will face as the new president. 22 00:01:10,180 --> 00:01:10,420 that Joe Biden will face USA! 23 00:01:10,420 --> 00:01:12,700 USA! 24 00:01:14,220 --> 00:01:16,700 To do it when the country is as divided as it is 25 00:01:16,700 --> 00:01:19,900 will test every bit of what Joe Biden has learned 26 00:01:19,900 --> 00:01:21,820 over nearly 50 years in public office. 27 00:01:23,660 --> 00:01:25,100 SARAH FERGUSON: Welcome to Four Corners. 28 00:01:25,100 --> 00:01:25,380 After four tumultuous and ultimately violent years under Donald Trump, SARAH FERGUSON: Welcome to Four Corners. 29 00:01:25,380 --> 00:01:29,740 After four tumultuous and ultimately violent years under Donald Trump, 30 00:01:29,740 --> 00:01:33,020 America is entering a new political era. 31 00:01:33,020 --> 00:01:33,300 America is entering a new political era. Democrat President Joe Biden is now in charge 32 00:01:33,300 --> 00:01:35,740 Democrat President Joe Biden is now in charge 33 00:01:35,740 --> 00:01:40,340 and faces a huge challenge of uniting this ravaged country. 34 00:01:40,340 --> 00:01:40,580 and faces a huge challenge But does he have what it takes? 35 00:01:40,580 --> 00:01:42,540 But does he have what it takes? 36 00:01:42,540 --> 00:01:44,500 Our colleagues from PBS Frontline 37 00:01:44,500 --> 00:01:47,260 track his long road to the presidency 38 00:01:47,260 --> 00:01:50,580 and explore the political weaknesses and strengths 39 00:01:50,580 --> 00:01:53,580 of the 46th President of the United States. 40 00:02:03,260 --> 00:02:06,260 JOE BIDEN: Today, I announce my candidacy for president 41 00:02:06,260 --> 00:02:06,500 of the United States of America. my candidacy for president 42 00:02:06,500 --> 00:02:07,980 of the United States of America. 43 00:02:07,980 --> 00:02:11,340 Friends, today I filed the necessary papers 44 00:02:11,340 --> 00:02:13,300 to become candidate for president of the United States. 45 00:02:13,300 --> 00:02:17,860 Today I'm announcing my candidacy for president of the United States. 46 00:02:17,860 --> 00:02:21,420 WOMAN: When people get in the habit of running for president, 47 00:02:21,420 --> 00:02:24,260 and in the habit of wanting the presidency, 48 00:02:24,260 --> 00:02:27,500 and in the habit, when they reflect on their lives, 49 00:02:27,500 --> 00:02:32,700 of thinking they could win and they could be a good president, 50 00:02:32,700 --> 00:02:32,940 of thinking they could win and they could be a good president, that's a hard habit to break. 51 00:02:32,940 --> 00:02:35,180 that's a hard habit to break. 52 00:02:35,180 --> 00:02:36,780 Dreams die hard. 53 00:02:38,380 --> 00:02:40,020 NARRATOR: In the 2020 election, 54 00:02:40,020 --> 00:02:43,900 Joe Biden's dream of the presidency was fading. 55 00:02:43,900 --> 00:02:45,260 MAN: He was seen as yesterday's news. 56 00:02:45,260 --> 00:02:45,500 MAN: He was seen He was a very rickety ship. 57 00:02:45,500 --> 00:02:46,820 He was a very rickety ship. 58 00:02:46,820 --> 00:02:47,060 He was not as eloquent as he was 30 years ago, He was a very rickety ship. 59 00:02:47,060 --> 00:02:50,140 He was not as eloquent as he was 30 years ago, 60 00:02:50,140 --> 00:02:50,380 like most people wouldn't be. 30 years ago, 61 00:02:50,380 --> 00:02:51,460 like most people wouldn't be. 62 00:02:51,460 --> 00:02:51,660 like most people wouldn't be. And he also, you know, 63 00:02:51,660 --> 00:02:54,060 And he also, you know, 64 00:02:54,060 --> 00:02:56,300 he was saddled with a very, very long record, 65 00:02:56,300 --> 00:02:56,540 he was saddled with some of it going back to the '70s. 66 00:02:56,540 --> 00:02:57,820 some of it going back to the '70s. 67 00:02:57,820 --> 00:02:58,060 MAN: Meanwhile, some of it going back to the '70s. 68 00:02:58,060 --> 00:02:59,700 MAN: Meanwhile, in a stunning reversal, 69 00:02:59,700 --> 00:02:59,940 MAN: Meanwhile, Joe Biden's campaign struggles 70 00:02:59,940 --> 00:03:01,260 Joe Biden's campaign struggles 71 00:03:01,260 --> 00:03:03,980 to match rival presidential candidates in fundraising. 72 00:03:03,980 --> 00:03:05,660 MAN: His numbers are down among women. 73 00:03:05,660 --> 00:03:06,740 Down among independents. 74 00:03:06,740 --> 00:03:08,340 The drop is primarily among younger voters. 75 00:03:08,340 --> 00:03:08,580 The drop is primarily He struggled to excite voters. 76 00:03:08,580 --> 00:03:10,460 He struggled to excite voters. 77 00:03:10,460 --> 00:03:12,660 WOMAN: President Joe Biden, struggling in the polls here, 78 00:03:12,660 --> 00:03:13,500 will instead... 79 00:03:13,500 --> 00:03:15,140 WOMAN: Joe Biden, is his campaign in trouble? 80 00:03:15,140 --> 00:03:18,740 MAN: He did not look like an effective candidate. 81 00:03:18,740 --> 00:03:18,980 MAN: He did not look He lacked energy often. 82 00:03:18,980 --> 00:03:20,820 He lacked energy often. 83 00:03:20,820 --> 00:03:21,060 He wasn't as crisp as a lot of people had hoped he would be. He lacked energy often. 84 00:03:21,060 --> 00:03:24,500 He wasn't as crisp as a lot of people had hoped he would be. 85 00:03:24,500 --> 00:03:24,740 He wasn't as crisp as a lot of people had hoped he would be. His campaign was in crisis. 86 00:03:24,740 --> 00:03:27,220 His campaign was in crisis. 87 00:03:27,220 --> 00:03:30,100 MAN: Joe Biden presently trailing in fourth place. 88 00:03:30,100 --> 00:03:32,340 MAN: ..surprised how bad Joe Biden did. 89 00:03:32,340 --> 00:03:33,580 He fled the stage... 90 00:03:33,580 --> 00:03:33,820 One of his senior advisers had to call him He fled the stage... 91 00:03:33,820 --> 00:03:35,540 One of his senior advisers had to call him 92 00:03:35,540 --> 00:03:35,780 and have what she described to me as had to call him 93 00:03:35,780 --> 00:03:36,980 and have what she described to me as 94 00:03:36,980 --> 00:03:37,220 and have what she described to me as to have with a candidate, 95 00:03:37,220 --> 00:03:39,460 the conversation you never want to have with a candidate, 96 00:03:39,460 --> 00:03:40,740 which is, 97 00:03:40,740 --> 00:03:44,660 "We may be approaching the point of having to shut this thing down." 98 00:03:44,660 --> 00:03:47,180 MAN: Joe Biden is fighting for his political survival. 99 00:03:47,180 --> 00:03:48,020 It was a moment of peril. 100 00:03:48,020 --> 00:03:50,580 MAN: Make-or-break time, in particular for Joe Biden. 101 00:03:50,580 --> 00:03:50,820 MAN: Make-or-break time, But Joe Biden had been here before. 102 00:03:50,820 --> 00:03:53,580 But Joe Biden had been here before. 103 00:03:53,580 --> 00:03:56,060 WOMAN: Joe Biden, fighting to survive after a fourth... 104 00:03:56,060 --> 00:03:58,460 BALZ: This is a person who had suffered significant setbacks, 105 00:03:58,460 --> 00:03:58,700 BALZ: This is a person who had both personally and politically. 106 00:03:58,700 --> 00:04:00,300 both personally and politically. 107 00:04:01,580 --> 00:04:03,980 And out of that I think he had come to a sense of 108 00:04:03,980 --> 00:04:06,540 what his strengths and weaknesses really were. 109 00:04:08,100 --> 00:04:11,380 MAN: We're talking about a half-century in public life, 110 00:04:11,380 --> 00:04:13,820 during which he experienced, multiple times, 111 00:04:13,820 --> 00:04:14,100 setbacks, any one of which would have, and has, driven out during which he experienced, multiple times, 112 00:04:14,100 --> 00:04:18,460 setbacks, any one of which would have, and has, driven out 113 00:04:18,460 --> 00:04:21,020 candidates into leaving public life. 114 00:04:21,020 --> 00:04:21,260 candidates into leaving public life. So the improbability of where he finds himself 115 00:04:21,260 --> 00:04:24,220 So the improbability of where he finds himself 116 00:04:24,220 --> 00:04:26,980 is unprecedented in American presidential history. 117 00:04:29,580 --> 00:04:32,180 His life had prepared him for this moment. 118 00:04:33,700 --> 00:04:36,180 A rough-and-tumble childhood in Delaware. 119 00:04:36,180 --> 00:04:40,540 His father, a car salesman, fallen on hard times. 120 00:04:40,540 --> 00:04:45,380 For little Joey, Catholic school, nuns. 121 00:04:47,420 --> 00:04:51,260 Joe Biden's formative challenge - he stuttered. 122 00:04:53,220 --> 00:04:56,420 Bullied, harassed, ridiculed, 123 00:04:56,420 --> 00:04:56,660 he was hell-bent Bullied, harassed, ridiculed, 124 00:04:56,660 --> 00:04:58,900 he was hell-bent on beating the stutter. 125 00:04:59,900 --> 00:05:07,500 Biden would stand in front of his bedroom mirror 126 00:05:07,500 --> 00:05:07,740 holding a flashlight to his face... of his bedroom mirror 127 00:05:07,740 --> 00:05:09,980 holding a flashlight to his face... 128 00:05:10,900 --> 00:05:15,940 ..and he would recite Yeats and Emerson. 129 00:05:16,940 --> 00:05:21,580 He kept pushing against the stutter, the bullies, 130 00:05:21,580 --> 00:05:23,180 and it paid off. 131 00:05:25,020 --> 00:05:28,020 MAN: People liked to be around him. 132 00:05:28,020 --> 00:05:29,500 He really had a presence. 133 00:05:29,500 --> 00:05:30,820 You knew him when he walked in. 134 00:05:30,820 --> 00:05:31,060 He was a little taller than most and in very good shape. You knew him when he walked in. 135 00:05:31,060 --> 00:05:34,420 He was a little taller than most and in very good shape. 136 00:05:35,460 --> 00:05:38,100 He was a star football player on their team. 137 00:05:39,540 --> 00:05:43,420 Joey Biden found another way to fight back - politics. 138 00:05:44,620 --> 00:05:49,140 WOMAN: In high school, he's president of his senior class. 139 00:05:49,140 --> 00:05:51,780 Honestly, that's when he gets a taste for it. 140 00:05:51,780 --> 00:05:52,020 The stutter is still part of him Honestly, that's when he gets a taste for it. 141 00:05:52,020 --> 00:05:55,180 The stutter is still part of him 142 00:05:55,180 --> 00:05:55,420 during his senior year The stutter is still part of him 143 00:05:55,420 --> 00:05:58,620 during his senior year in high school, 144 00:05:58,620 --> 00:06:04,140 where he has to introduce his family at graduation, 145 00:06:04,140 --> 00:06:04,380 where he has to introduce his family at graduation, and he has to stand up there 146 00:06:04,380 --> 00:06:08,220 and he has to stand up there 147 00:06:08,220 --> 00:06:08,460 and not stutter and he has to stand up there 148 00:06:08,460 --> 00:06:11,620 and not stutter and say this publicly. 149 00:06:11,620 --> 00:06:11,860 and not stutter And he does it. 150 00:06:11,860 --> 00:06:14,100 And he does it. 151 00:06:14,100 --> 00:06:15,860 CHANTING: We want Joe! We want Joe! 152 00:06:15,860 --> 00:06:21,380 In the crisis of stuttering, a life method - persevere. 153 00:06:21,380 --> 00:06:22,820 Just push through. 154 00:06:22,820 --> 00:06:25,100 BIDEN: Medical research to confer... 155 00:06:25,100 --> 00:06:27,620 ..to conquer devastating diseases like cancer... 156 00:06:27,620 --> 00:06:31,020 Not the end in...of themselves... (STUTTERS) ..in themselves. 157 00:06:31,020 --> 00:06:34,580 The UAW took excredible cuts in their future... 158 00:06:45,380 --> 00:06:47,940 # Kennedy, Kennedy, Kennedy, Kennedy, Kennedy... # 159 00:06:47,940 --> 00:06:53,740 As he began his political career, Joe Biden had a role model. 160 00:06:53,740 --> 00:06:56,660 Irish, Catholic, good-looking. 161 00:06:56,660 --> 00:06:59,100 Joe emulated what he could. 162 00:06:59,100 --> 00:07:04,380 Kennedy was drawn to politics. Biden was drawn to politics. 163 00:07:04,380 --> 00:07:06,740 Jack had a photogenic wife and children. 164 00:07:06,740 --> 00:07:09,500 Joe had a photogenic wife and children. 165 00:07:10,780 --> 00:07:13,900 The Kennedys had a family compound at Hyannis Port. 166 00:07:15,060 --> 00:07:18,460 The Bidens would have a family compound in Wilmington, Delaware. 167 00:07:19,780 --> 00:07:24,780 OSNOS: Joe Biden was always fascinated by the Kennedy mystique. 168 00:07:24,780 --> 00:07:25,060 He really saw himself as a natural heir to that tradition. OSNOS: Joe Biden was always fascinated by the Kennedy mystique. 169 00:07:25,060 --> 00:07:30,140 He really saw himself as a natural heir to that tradition. 170 00:07:30,140 --> 00:07:30,420 He really saw himself as a natural heir to that tradition. I'm Joe Biden and I'm a candidate for the United States Senate. 171 00:07:30,420 --> 00:07:34,900 I'm Joe Biden and I'm a candidate for the United States Senate. 172 00:07:34,900 --> 00:07:37,700 Politicians have done such a job on the people 173 00:07:37,700 --> 00:07:39,900 that the people don't believe them anymore, 174 00:07:39,900 --> 00:07:42,140 and I'd like a shot at changing that. 175 00:07:42,140 --> 00:07:45,980 But Wilmington was no Hyannis Port. 176 00:07:45,980 --> 00:07:49,100 We, the Bidens, we had no money. 177 00:07:49,100 --> 00:07:49,300 We had no power or influence. We, the Bidens, we had no money. 178 00:07:49,300 --> 00:07:51,180 We had no power or influence. 179 00:07:51,180 --> 00:07:54,500 We didn't know anybody who was a big name who could help us. 180 00:07:54,500 --> 00:07:54,780 We didn't know anybody who was a big name who could help us. Hi. How are you? Hi. How are you? 181 00:07:54,780 --> 00:07:55,900 Hi. How are you? Hi. How are you? 182 00:07:55,900 --> 00:07:56,140 Hi. How are you? Joe Biden's my name. 183 00:07:56,140 --> 00:07:57,140 Joe Biden's my name. 184 00:07:57,140 --> 00:07:57,380 Like the crisis over his stutter, Joe Biden's my name. 185 00:07:57,380 --> 00:08:02,100 Like the crisis over his stutter, his political start was a struggle. 186 00:08:02,100 --> 00:08:05,700 Behind in the polls, facing a powerful opponent, 187 00:08:05,700 --> 00:08:10,900 United States Senator Cale Boggs, an ally of President Richard Nixon. 188 00:08:12,060 --> 00:08:15,100 MAN: Joe Biden asked me about getting involved in his campaign. 189 00:08:15,100 --> 00:08:15,380 I started off by telling him that "There's no way you can win." MAN: Joe Biden asked me about getting involved in his campaign. 190 00:08:15,380 --> 00:08:17,860 I started off by telling him that "There's no way you can win." 191 00:08:19,340 --> 00:08:23,900 'Audacious' is good term to apply to Biden back then. 192 00:08:23,900 --> 00:08:24,180 'Audacious' is good term to apply to Biden back then. This is a guy who wasn't yet old enough to hold the seat. 193 00:08:24,180 --> 00:08:28,540 This is a guy who wasn't yet old enough to hold the seat. 194 00:08:29,940 --> 00:08:32,180 It was a time of crisis in the country. 195 00:08:32,180 --> 00:08:33,220 CHANTING: Peace now! 196 00:08:33,220 --> 00:08:35,140 The Vietnam War had divided Americans... 197 00:08:35,140 --> 00:08:37,020 MAN: Opposition to the war in Vietnam 198 00:08:37,020 --> 00:08:40,660 has set off demonstration in several major cities. 199 00:08:40,660 --> 00:08:42,380 ..igniting social unrest. 200 00:08:44,740 --> 00:08:47,660 In Delaware, racial tensions boiled over. 201 00:08:47,660 --> 00:08:50,420 MAN: The National Guard was called out in several cities 202 00:08:50,420 --> 00:08:51,620 to put down riots. 203 00:08:51,620 --> 00:08:54,100 One of these cities was Wilmington, Delaware. 204 00:08:54,100 --> 00:08:56,140 Black residents were angry. 205 00:08:57,260 --> 00:09:01,540 Joe Biden saw an opportunity to draw on his personal experience with race. 206 00:09:03,060 --> 00:09:07,140 Back when he was 19, working at an inner-city pool. 207 00:09:08,220 --> 00:09:11,220 MAN: He was a lifeguard. He was one of two white guys. 208 00:09:12,140 --> 00:09:19,500 He was a tall, slim, young-looking, good-looking, 209 00:09:19,500 --> 00:09:19,740 He was a tall, slim, young-looking, good-looking, Elvis Presley-looking kind of guy. 210 00:09:19,740 --> 00:09:22,020 Elvis Presley-looking kind of guy. 211 00:09:23,620 --> 00:09:27,300 That's how he got to know some of the guys who were in the gangs. 212 00:09:27,300 --> 00:09:27,580 He just seemed to have a natural instinct for getting to know people, That's how he got to know some of the guys who were in the gangs. 213 00:09:27,580 --> 00:09:33,460 He just seemed to have a natural instinct for getting to know people, 214 00:09:33,460 --> 00:09:35,740 getting to understand them, 215 00:09:35,740 --> 00:09:35,980 getting to understand them, but not being afraid to be around them. 216 00:09:35,980 --> 00:09:38,660 but not being afraid to be around them. 217 00:09:39,900 --> 00:09:41,460 We became friends. 218 00:09:42,580 --> 00:09:44,780 We became friends. 219 00:09:44,780 --> 00:09:48,060 I was a very troubled child, OK? 220 00:09:48,060 --> 00:09:48,300 Leader of a gang, no food at home, I was a very troubled child, OK? 221 00:09:48,300 --> 00:09:53,420 Leader of a gang, no food at home, electric cut off, no soap, 222 00:09:53,420 --> 00:09:57,500 sometimes no soap and water to take a bath, no hot water. 223 00:09:58,740 --> 00:10:02,420 Joe and Ricky - he likes to be called 'Mouse' - 224 00:10:02,420 --> 00:10:04,420 forged a lifetime friendship 225 00:10:05,900 --> 00:10:08,420 Mouse introduced Joe all around the neighbourhood. 226 00:10:09,540 --> 00:10:12,820 Over the years, Biden kept in touch, 227 00:10:12,820 --> 00:10:17,460 building relationships in the black community that would pay off. 228 00:10:17,460 --> 00:10:21,580 NOONAN: Some people are in politics because they're in love with policy, 229 00:10:21,580 --> 00:10:24,340 but they're not necessarily in love with humans. 230 00:10:26,020 --> 00:10:29,620 He loves the game of it. He loves the dance of it. 231 00:10:29,620 --> 00:10:29,860 He loves the game of it. He loves meeting people. 232 00:10:29,860 --> 00:10:32,140 He loves meeting people. 233 00:10:32,140 --> 00:10:32,340 He loves meeting people. He loves hugging strangers. 234 00:10:32,340 --> 00:10:34,580 He loves hugging strangers. 235 00:10:35,780 --> 00:10:37,980 It became his go-to strategy... 236 00:10:39,620 --> 00:10:42,820 President Nixon's landslide didn't help the Republicans at all. 237 00:10:42,820 --> 00:10:43,060 President Nixon's landslide didn't ..and in 1972, that method worked. 238 00:10:43,060 --> 00:10:45,540 ..and in 1972, that method worked. 239 00:10:45,540 --> 00:10:48,620 Some of those who did lose had been considered the most certain to win. 240 00:10:48,620 --> 00:10:52,420 The black community helped make Joe Biden a winner... 241 00:10:52,420 --> 00:10:52,660 ..also in Delaware. The black community helped make Joe Biden a winner... 242 00:10:52,660 --> 00:10:54,060 ..also in Delaware. 243 00:10:54,060 --> 00:10:56,260 ..by less than 3,000 votes. 244 00:10:56,260 --> 00:10:58,740 Whipped by 29-year-old Joseph Biden. 245 00:11:00,060 --> 00:11:01,820 SEARS: It was very close. 246 00:11:01,820 --> 00:11:02,060 People were still surprised at how this even happened. SEARS: It was very close. 247 00:11:02,060 --> 00:11:06,380 People were still surprised at how this even happened. 248 00:11:06,380 --> 00:11:10,620 All of you have done something that the political pundits said 249 00:11:10,620 --> 00:11:13,740 there was no way in the world it could be done. 250 00:11:13,740 --> 00:11:13,980 there was no way in the world it could be done. (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) 251 00:11:13,980 --> 00:11:15,420 (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) 252 00:11:16,780 --> 00:11:22,140 WOMAN: That night, all the college kids were so excited. 253 00:11:22,140 --> 00:11:24,820 A lot of us went to the Hotel DuPont ballroom. 254 00:11:24,820 --> 00:11:25,060 And it was packed. Packed. A lot of us went to the Hotel DuPont ballroom. 255 00:11:25,060 --> 00:11:28,300 And it was packed. Packed. 256 00:11:28,300 --> 00:11:28,540 And it was packed. Packed. And there was so much excitement in the air. 257 00:11:28,540 --> 00:11:31,260 And there was so much excitement in the air. 258 00:11:32,980 --> 00:11:36,020 I saw this woman coming through the crowd... 259 00:11:37,660 --> 00:11:41,060 ..and I realised that it was Neilia, Joe's wife. 260 00:11:42,860 --> 00:11:47,140 And so I walked up to her and I shook her hand and I said, 261 00:11:47,140 --> 00:11:49,220 "Congratulations on your win." 262 00:11:49,220 --> 00:11:51,540 And she said, "Thank you very much." 263 00:11:52,900 --> 00:11:54,660 And that was our exchange. 264 00:12:01,100 --> 00:12:04,620 (ROTARY PHONE WHIRRS) 265 00:12:04,620 --> 00:12:06,540 (SIREN WAILS) 266 00:12:08,420 --> 00:12:13,100 Biden and his sister, Val, were in Washington setting up the office, 267 00:12:13,100 --> 00:12:14,340 hiring a staff, 268 00:12:14,340 --> 00:12:16,260 when the crisis hit. 269 00:12:16,260 --> 00:12:19,260 LASKAS: The phone rings, and Val gets it. 270 00:12:19,260 --> 00:12:19,540 And Biden is sort of paying attention, LASKAS: The phone rings, and Val gets it. 271 00:12:19,540 --> 00:12:24,260 And Biden is sort of paying attention, 272 00:12:24,260 --> 00:12:27,620 and then he really starts paying attention when he sees her face. 273 00:12:27,620 --> 00:12:32,340 I got a call from Jimmy Biden, and he said, "Come home now. 274 00:12:34,140 --> 00:12:36,540 "There's been an accident." 275 00:12:36,540 --> 00:12:36,780 "There's been an accident." And Neilia was in the car, the station wagon, 276 00:12:36,780 --> 00:12:41,100 And Neilia was in the car, the station wagon, 277 00:12:41,100 --> 00:12:44,140 with the three children, Beau, Hunt and Naomi. 278 00:12:44,140 --> 00:12:44,420 And Neilia was literally bringing home the Christmas tree with the three children, Beau, Hunt and Naomi. 279 00:12:44,420 --> 00:12:47,620 And Neilia was literally bringing home the Christmas tree 280 00:12:47,620 --> 00:12:49,420 with the kids in the car, the three kids in the car. 281 00:12:52,940 --> 00:12:56,980 Campaign flyers from the car helped identify the bodies. 282 00:12:58,380 --> 00:13:01,020 She was hit broadside by a tractor-trailer. 283 00:13:02,220 --> 00:13:07,020 And she and Naomi, who sat behind her in the car seat, 284 00:13:07,020 --> 00:13:07,260 And she and Naomi, who sat they died instantly... 285 00:13:07,260 --> 00:13:08,660 they died instantly... 286 00:13:10,700 --> 00:13:13,940 ..and Beau and Hunter were seriously injured. 287 00:13:13,940 --> 00:13:14,180 ..and Beau and Hunter And he...he knew. He knew. 288 00:13:14,180 --> 00:13:19,060 And he...he knew. He knew. 289 00:13:19,060 --> 00:13:22,100 He knew from the look on her face. 290 00:13:22,100 --> 00:13:24,100 My brother looked at me and said... 291 00:13:25,540 --> 00:13:27,020 .."She's dead, isn't she?" 292 00:13:28,380 --> 00:13:31,860 And I said, "I don't know, Joey." 293 00:13:31,860 --> 00:13:34,460 I did know. Jimmy told me. 294 00:13:36,220 --> 00:13:37,860 He got to the boys. 295 00:13:37,860 --> 00:13:39,980 They were all that was left. 296 00:13:39,980 --> 00:13:42,500 Broken hips, legs, arms. 297 00:13:42,500 --> 00:13:46,220 Beau was all cut up, and Hunter's skull was fractured. 298 00:13:46,220 --> 00:13:47,580 MAN: Since the accident, 299 00:13:47,580 --> 00:13:50,620 Biden himself has been living at a hospital in Wilmington, Delaware, 300 00:13:50,620 --> 00:13:50,860 Biden himself has been living at taking care of his sons. 301 00:13:50,860 --> 00:13:52,140 taking care of his sons. 302 00:13:52,140 --> 00:13:52,380 MAN: Today, the senator took his taking care of his sons. 303 00:13:52,380 --> 00:13:54,380 MAN: Today, the senator took his swearing-in ceremony... 304 00:13:54,380 --> 00:13:56,540 MAN: Joseph Biden, Democrat of Delaware... 305 00:13:56,540 --> 00:13:56,780 MAN: Joseph Biden, Somehow, Biden pulled it together. 306 00:13:56,780 --> 00:13:58,820 Somehow, Biden pulled it together. 307 00:13:58,820 --> 00:14:02,260 They held a swearing-in ceremony at the hospital. 308 00:14:02,260 --> 00:14:04,300 JOE BIDEN: It means a lot to me. I appreciate it. 309 00:14:04,300 --> 00:14:04,580 And I hope that I can be a good senator for you all. JOE BIDEN: It means a lot to me. I appreciate it. 310 00:14:04,580 --> 00:14:07,380 And I hope that I can be a good senator for you all. 311 00:14:07,380 --> 00:14:07,620 I make this one promise - a good senator for you all. 312 00:14:07,620 --> 00:14:09,100 I make this one promise - 313 00:14:09,100 --> 00:14:12,340 that if in six months or so there's a conflict 314 00:14:12,340 --> 00:14:14,820 between my being a good father and being a good senator, 315 00:14:14,820 --> 00:14:15,060 which I hope will not occur, and being a good senator, 316 00:14:15,060 --> 00:14:16,180 which I hope will not occur, 317 00:14:16,180 --> 00:14:18,220 I thought would but I hope it won't, 318 00:14:18,220 --> 00:14:22,420 I promise you that I will contact Governor-elect Tribbitt, 319 00:14:22,420 --> 00:14:22,660 I promise you that I will contact Governor-elect Tribbitt, as I had earlier, 320 00:14:22,660 --> 00:14:23,860 as I had earlier, 321 00:14:23,860 --> 00:14:26,900 and tell him that we can always get another senator, 322 00:14:26,900 --> 00:14:27,140 and tell him that but they can't get another father. 323 00:14:27,140 --> 00:14:28,260 but they can't get another father. 324 00:14:30,500 --> 00:14:33,020 The road ahead for Joe Biden would be tough, 325 00:14:33,020 --> 00:14:37,620 like the fight against stuttering and the uphill political battle. 326 00:14:37,620 --> 00:14:40,700 Once again, in crisis, he would persevere. 327 00:14:41,980 --> 00:14:44,300 LASKAS: Valerie's going to help raise the children. 328 00:14:44,300 --> 00:14:46,100 He's going to have a job in Washington 329 00:14:46,100 --> 00:14:46,340 and a home in Wilmington He's going to have a job in Washington 330 00:14:46,340 --> 00:14:48,220 and a home in Wilmington 331 00:14:48,220 --> 00:14:48,460 and he's going to ride that train and a home in Wilmington 332 00:14:48,460 --> 00:14:50,500 and he's going to ride that train back and forth. 333 00:14:50,500 --> 00:14:54,260 He's going to be home for dinner every night 334 00:14:54,260 --> 00:14:54,500 He's going to be home for dinner every night with his kids and his sister. 335 00:14:54,500 --> 00:14:56,460 with his kids and his sister. 336 00:14:56,460 --> 00:14:58,620 And that's going to be the family unit. 337 00:14:58,620 --> 00:15:01,460 It's not the one he chose, but that's going to be the one. 338 00:15:03,740 --> 00:15:08,380 You don't lose a wife and child at the point in life that he did 339 00:15:08,380 --> 00:15:10,060 and not grow from it. 340 00:15:11,660 --> 00:15:14,100 You learn from those kinds of experiences. 341 00:15:14,100 --> 00:15:14,380 What you do, though, is like Muhammad Ali said one time: You learn from those kinds of experiences. 342 00:15:14,380 --> 00:15:20,780 What you do, though, is like Muhammad Ali said one time: 343 00:15:20,780 --> 00:15:23,060 "I've never been knocked down. 344 00:15:23,060 --> 00:15:25,220 "I've always been getting up." 345 00:15:25,220 --> 00:15:25,460 "I've always been getting up." So Joe has just never been knocked down. 346 00:15:25,460 --> 00:15:29,260 So Joe has just never been knocked down. 347 00:15:29,260 --> 00:15:29,500 So Joe has just never He's always been getting up. 348 00:15:29,500 --> 00:15:31,740 He's always been getting up. 349 00:15:40,020 --> 00:15:42,700 Senator Biden. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. 350 00:15:42,700 --> 00:15:45,900 I truly appreciate the opportunity to sit in on this hearing. 351 00:15:45,900 --> 00:15:48,260 From his earliest days in the Senate, 352 00:15:48,260 --> 00:15:51,380 Joe Biden was determined to make a name for himself. 353 00:15:51,380 --> 00:15:54,700 You can't convince me that the guy you're kicking back to 354 00:15:54,700 --> 00:15:58,220 isn't saying to you or one of your agents at some point, 355 00:15:58,220 --> 00:16:01,020 "Hey, look, I'm getting $100,000 from you, 356 00:16:01,020 --> 00:16:06,700 "but Harry over there, he's getting $175,000 from whomever else." 357 00:16:06,700 --> 00:16:09,380 You mean you guys didn't know that was going on? 358 00:16:09,380 --> 00:16:12,100 He was seen as a bit of a show horse at first. 359 00:16:12,100 --> 00:16:12,380 He was not someone who was waiting his turn. He was seen as a bit of a show horse at first. 360 00:16:12,380 --> 00:16:14,860 He was not someone who was waiting his turn. 361 00:16:14,860 --> 00:16:20,620 In fact, he was fighting as hard for attention and notoriety 362 00:16:20,620 --> 00:16:20,900 In fact, he was fighting as hard for attention and notoriety and the ability to stay as a US Senator as anyone was. 363 00:16:20,900 --> 00:16:25,260 and the ability to stay as a US Senator as anyone was. 364 00:16:26,580 --> 00:16:30,180 DAN BALZ: His ambitions were never even thinly disguised. 365 00:16:30,180 --> 00:16:33,500 He talked about it not long after he came to the Senate 366 00:16:33,500 --> 00:16:33,780 and made clear that being in the Senate itself He talked about it not long after he came to the Senate 367 00:16:33,780 --> 00:16:36,540 and made clear that being in the Senate itself 368 00:16:36,540 --> 00:16:39,620 was not the only thing he might want to do in life. 369 00:16:39,620 --> 00:16:39,900 was not the only thing he might want to do in life. What he wanted to do was to become president. 370 00:16:39,900 --> 00:16:43,060 What he wanted to do was to become president. 371 00:16:44,300 --> 00:16:46,500 Thank you very much! 372 00:16:47,660 --> 00:16:50,460 By 1987, he thought he was ready. 373 00:16:51,700 --> 00:16:54,140 It was a family affair. 374 00:16:54,140 --> 00:16:54,380 The boys were older, It was a family affair. 375 00:16:54,380 --> 00:16:57,940 The boys were older, he had remarried, 376 00:16:57,940 --> 00:16:58,180 The boys were older, had a new daughter, 377 00:16:58,180 --> 00:17:00,420 had a new daughter, 378 00:17:00,420 --> 00:17:02,980 JILL BIDEN: You know, he said, "Let's just test the waters." 379 00:17:02,980 --> 00:17:03,260 And so I said, "Alright." It sort of just snowballed. JILL BIDEN: You know, he said, "Let's just test the waters." 380 00:17:03,260 --> 00:17:07,140 And so I said, "Alright." It sort of just snowballed. 381 00:17:07,140 --> 00:17:10,620 And we were into it, really, before we even knew it. 382 00:17:11,700 --> 00:17:15,740 But as he campaigned, he headed towards another crisis, 383 00:17:15,740 --> 00:17:18,620 stemming from a persistent question - 384 00:17:18,620 --> 00:17:21,020 what did he stand for? 385 00:17:21,020 --> 00:17:23,820 NOONAN: I think that's always been one of his challenges 386 00:17:23,820 --> 00:17:24,060 as he tries to go for president. NOONAN: I think that's always been one of his challenges 387 00:17:24,060 --> 00:17:25,580 as he tries to go for president. 388 00:17:25,580 --> 00:17:29,500 He casts about for what he wants to say. 389 00:17:29,500 --> 00:17:33,300 He casts about for the issues he wants to put forward 390 00:17:33,300 --> 00:17:33,580 He casts about for the issues he wants to put forward and what he wants to say he believes in. 391 00:17:33,580 --> 00:17:35,900 and what he wants to say he believes in. 392 00:17:35,900 --> 00:17:38,940 And it feels cast about. 393 00:17:40,980 --> 00:17:44,620 Then, one day, a video of a British politician 394 00:17:44,620 --> 00:17:47,900 and a story that would give him something to say. 395 00:17:47,900 --> 00:17:54,500 Why am I the first Kinnock in a thousand generations 396 00:17:54,500 --> 00:17:54,740 Why am I the first Kinnock to be able to get to university? 397 00:17:54,740 --> 00:17:56,260 to be able to get to university? 398 00:17:56,260 --> 00:17:59,460 Obsessed with the tape, Biden studied it. 399 00:17:59,460 --> 00:18:02,620 He later wrote, "The ad was riveting. 400 00:18:02,620 --> 00:18:04,620 "I couldn't take my eyes off Neil Kinnock." 401 00:18:04,620 --> 00:18:04,860 "I couldn't take my eyes off Is it because they were weak? 402 00:18:04,860 --> 00:18:06,180 Is it because they were weak? 403 00:18:06,180 --> 00:18:09,820 Those people who could work eight hours underground 404 00:18:09,820 --> 00:18:11,180 and then come up and play football. 405 00:18:11,180 --> 00:18:12,540 Weak? 406 00:18:12,540 --> 00:18:12,780 Biden could put himself into the Neil Kinnock story. Weak? 407 00:18:12,780 --> 00:18:16,860 Biden could put himself into the Neil Kinnock story. 408 00:18:16,860 --> 00:18:22,060 Family in Scranton, Pennsylvania, family in the mines. 409 00:18:22,060 --> 00:18:22,340 Family in Scranton, Pennsylvania, family in the mines. And so, in a sense, he absorbed the Kinnock story 410 00:18:22,340 --> 00:18:26,980 And so, in a sense, he absorbed the Kinnock story 411 00:18:26,980 --> 00:18:27,220 And so, in a sense, in making it his own. 412 00:18:27,220 --> 00:18:29,020 in making it his own. 413 00:18:30,660 --> 00:18:32,900 REPORTER: The campaign begins in earnest 414 00:18:32,900 --> 00:18:35,300 with the first votes for the next president in Iowa. 415 00:18:35,300 --> 00:18:37,140 REPORTER: The candidates spent much of yesterday 416 00:18:37,140 --> 00:18:37,380 REPORTER: The candidates fanned out over Iowa... 417 00:18:37,380 --> 00:18:38,380 fanned out over Iowa... 418 00:18:38,380 --> 00:18:41,740 In Iowa, during the primary, he took Kinnock's words, 419 00:18:41,740 --> 00:18:43,220 made them his own. 420 00:18:43,220 --> 00:18:46,940 MAN: And now, Mr Biden. JOE BIDEN: Thank you very much. 421 00:18:46,940 --> 00:18:49,260 I started thinking as I was coming over here, 422 00:18:49,260 --> 00:18:53,540 "Why is it that Joe Biden is the first in his family 423 00:18:53,540 --> 00:18:55,900 "ever to go to a university?" 424 00:18:55,900 --> 00:18:56,140 He got up there and he gave his speech, and it got to the end, "ever to go to a university?" 425 00:18:56,140 --> 00:18:58,660 He got up there and he gave his speech, and it got to the end, 426 00:18:58,660 --> 00:19:01,140 last three minutes, and he gave Kinnock, 427 00:19:01,140 --> 00:19:02,620 but he did not attribute it to Kinnock. 428 00:19:02,620 --> 00:19:02,860 but he did not attribute it to Kinnock. Is it because they didn't work hard? 429 00:19:02,860 --> 00:19:04,860 Is it because they didn't work hard? 430 00:19:04,860 --> 00:19:06,700 My ancestors who worked in the coal mines 431 00:19:06,700 --> 00:19:06,940 My ancestors who worked of northeast Pennsylvania 432 00:19:06,940 --> 00:19:08,060 of northeast Pennsylvania 433 00:19:08,060 --> 00:19:08,300 and would come up after 12 hours of northeast Pennsylvania 434 00:19:08,300 --> 00:19:11,900 and would come up after 12 hours and play football for four hours? 435 00:19:11,900 --> 00:19:15,660 Joe Biden borrowed it and applied it to his own life 436 00:19:15,660 --> 00:19:15,900 Joe Biden borrowed it and made a moving sort of aria, 437 00:19:15,900 --> 00:19:18,340 and made a moving sort of aria, 438 00:19:18,340 --> 00:19:22,500 a moving sort of part of a speech about his own life, 439 00:19:22,500 --> 00:19:24,780 which in fact had been taken from Neil Kinnock. 440 00:19:24,780 --> 00:19:28,020 REPORTER: Biden seemed to be claiming Kinnock' vision, and life, 441 00:19:28,020 --> 00:19:28,260 REPORTER: Biden seemed to be as his own. 442 00:19:28,260 --> 00:19:29,540 as his own. 443 00:19:29,540 --> 00:19:31,380 It became front-page news. 444 00:19:31,380 --> 00:19:34,700 REPORTER: Biden has been caught with a sudden embarrassing comparison 445 00:19:34,700 --> 00:19:34,940 REPORTER: Biden has been caught with of his recent campaign speeches. 446 00:19:34,940 --> 00:19:36,500 of his recent campaign speeches. 447 00:19:36,500 --> 00:19:38,860 The first example came from Great Britain. 448 00:19:38,860 --> 00:19:44,940 Why am I the first Kinnock in a thousand generations 449 00:19:44,940 --> 00:19:45,180 Why am I the first Kinnock to be able to get to university? 450 00:19:45,180 --> 00:19:47,020 to be able to get to university? 451 00:19:47,020 --> 00:19:49,500 And I started thinking as I was coming over here, 452 00:19:49,500 --> 00:19:53,780 "Why is it that Joe Biden is the first in his family 453 00:19:53,780 --> 00:19:55,620 "ever to go to a university?" 454 00:19:55,620 --> 00:19:57,860 His campaign said it was a mistake, 455 00:19:57,860 --> 00:19:59,980 that he had cited Kinnock other times. 456 00:19:59,980 --> 00:20:02,020 REPORTER: For a second time in two weeks... 457 00:20:02,020 --> 00:20:03,180 But then, the avalanche. 458 00:20:03,180 --> 00:20:04,980 REPORTER: He looks like a Joe Biden wind-up doll 459 00:20:04,980 --> 00:20:07,180 with somebody else's words coming out. 460 00:20:07,180 --> 00:20:09,980 Allegations of failing to cite a source in a law school paper. 461 00:20:09,980 --> 00:20:12,180 REPORTER: Plagiarised a law review article. 462 00:20:12,180 --> 00:20:14,980 Taking lines from his political idols, the Kennedys. 463 00:20:14,980 --> 00:20:16,980 REPORTER: One from John Kennedy's inaugural, 464 00:20:16,980 --> 00:20:18,420 others from Robert Kennedy. 465 00:20:18,420 --> 00:20:21,260 Their words, from the lips of Joe Biden. 466 00:20:21,260 --> 00:20:23,340 LEIBOVICH: Joe Biden comes off as someone 467 00:20:23,340 --> 00:20:23,580 LEIBOVICH: Joe Biden comes off who has a lot of self-confidence, 468 00:20:23,580 --> 00:20:25,060 who has a lot of self-confidence, 469 00:20:25,060 --> 00:20:25,300 but obviously there's an imposter syndrome dynamic at work here, who has a lot of self-confidence, 470 00:20:25,300 --> 00:20:28,380 but obviously there's an imposter syndrome dynamic at work here, 471 00:20:28,380 --> 00:20:31,420 because if you feel like you have to make up stuff about yourself 472 00:20:31,420 --> 00:20:33,340 and invent stories that are not your own 473 00:20:33,340 --> 00:20:33,620 and invent stories that are not your own and then do it in such a self-destructive way 474 00:20:33,620 --> 00:20:35,940 and then do it in such a self-destructive way 475 00:20:35,940 --> 00:20:37,460 in which you can be caught, 476 00:20:37,460 --> 00:20:41,060 that speaks to a level of character, and certainly insecurity, 477 00:20:41,060 --> 00:20:43,580 that is common among a lot of politicians. 478 00:20:43,580 --> 00:20:45,820 Delightful to see you all here. 479 00:20:45,820 --> 00:20:47,740 You know my wife, Jill. 480 00:20:47,740 --> 00:20:51,940 Pulling out of the 1987 presidential race 481 00:20:51,940 --> 00:20:52,180 Pulling out of the was really devastating to Joe 482 00:20:52,180 --> 00:20:56,300 was really devastating to Joe 483 00:20:56,300 --> 00:20:58,500 and to me and to our family. 484 00:20:58,500 --> 00:21:01,060 Thanks, folks. My wife and I thank you very much. 485 00:21:01,060 --> 00:21:04,140 And Tommy, thanks... Biden lost this fight. 486 00:21:04,140 --> 00:21:06,940 REPORTER: Delaware Senator Joseph Biden dropped out of the hunt today. 487 00:21:06,940 --> 00:21:09,380 REPORTER: Joe Biden blames mostly himself for blowing it. 488 00:21:09,380 --> 00:21:12,340 But he believed he'd have another chance. 489 00:21:12,340 --> 00:21:12,580 But he believed He returned to the Senate to rebuild. 490 00:21:12,580 --> 00:21:15,340 He returned to the Senate to rebuild. 491 00:21:15,340 --> 00:21:18,500 BALZ: It wasn't as though, having lost in 1988, 492 00:21:18,500 --> 00:21:20,980 he faded away or disappeared. 493 00:21:20,980 --> 00:21:21,220 He has positions in the Senate that give him power and clout he faded away or disappeared. 494 00:21:21,220 --> 00:21:24,660 He has positions in the Senate that give him power and clout 495 00:21:24,660 --> 00:21:24,900 He has positions in the Senate and, in a sense, a national platform 496 00:21:24,900 --> 00:21:27,540 and, in a sense, a national platform 497 00:21:27,540 --> 00:21:27,780 from which to continue and, in a sense, a national platform 498 00:21:27,780 --> 00:21:30,020 from which to continue to project himself 499 00:21:30,020 --> 00:21:30,260 from which to continue to project himself as a leader of the Democratic Party. 500 00:21:30,260 --> 00:21:32,180 as a leader of the Democratic Party. 501 00:21:33,580 --> 00:21:36,860 REPORTER: Committee Chairman Joseph Biden opened confirmation hearings 502 00:21:36,860 --> 00:21:39,260 for the nation's 106th nominee. 503 00:21:39,260 --> 00:21:41,180 He concentrated on his job as the chairman 504 00:21:41,180 --> 00:21:43,860 of the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee. 505 00:21:43,860 --> 00:21:46,100 REPORTER: President Bush says the American people 506 00:21:46,100 --> 00:21:47,660 are supporting his choice for the Supreme Court. 507 00:21:47,660 --> 00:21:50,980 It was there he would face his biggest challenge yet - 508 00:21:50,980 --> 00:21:53,900 the controversy over the nomination of Clarence Thomas 509 00:21:53,900 --> 00:21:54,140 the controversy over the nomination to the Supreme Court. 510 00:21:54,140 --> 00:21:55,660 to the Supreme Court. 511 00:21:55,660 --> 00:21:56,540 Good evening. 512 00:21:56,540 --> 00:21:59,020 We begin tonight with the potential for political explosion 513 00:21:59,020 --> 00:22:00,100 on Capitol Hill. 514 00:22:00,100 --> 00:22:00,340 Clarence Thomas on Capitol Hill. 515 00:22:00,340 --> 00:22:02,580 Clarence Thomas ran into trouble today. 516 00:22:02,580 --> 00:22:06,260 Questions are growing over charges of sexual harassment against Thomas. 517 00:22:06,260 --> 00:22:10,820 This affidavit charged that Thomas sexually harassed a former employee, 518 00:22:10,820 --> 00:22:12,140 Anita Hill. 519 00:22:13,420 --> 00:22:16,620 JANE MAYER: It seems to have been a nightmare for Joe Biden. 520 00:22:16,620 --> 00:22:19,420 As a man, he felt uncomfortable about it. 521 00:22:19,420 --> 00:22:19,660 As a white man, As a man, he felt uncomfortable about it. 522 00:22:19,660 --> 00:22:20,580 As a white man, 523 00:22:20,580 --> 00:22:22,580 he felt uncomfortable taking Clarence Thomas, 524 00:22:22,580 --> 00:22:22,820 a black man, on about it. taking Clarence Thomas, 525 00:22:22,820 --> 00:22:24,300 a black man, on about it. 526 00:22:24,300 --> 00:22:29,180 And the whole subject matter just made him incredibly uncomfortable. 527 00:22:29,180 --> 00:22:29,460 And the whole subject matter just made him incredibly uncomfortable. REPORTER: But Committee Chairman Biden conceded tonight 528 00:22:29,460 --> 00:22:31,780 REPORTER: But Committee Chairman Biden conceded tonight 529 00:22:31,780 --> 00:22:34,100 that new information about the allegations... 530 00:22:34,100 --> 00:22:35,940 REPORTER: Drama and history on Capitol Hill. 531 00:22:35,940 --> 00:22:39,020 With the crisis growing, Anita Hill was called to testify. 532 00:22:39,020 --> 00:22:39,260 With the crisis growing, The hearing will come to order. 533 00:22:39,260 --> 00:22:40,700 The hearing will come to order. 534 00:22:40,700 --> 00:22:42,140 REPORTER: Anita Hill comes to Washington 535 00:22:42,140 --> 00:22:44,260 to tell the Senate her side of the Thomas story. 536 00:22:44,260 --> 00:22:45,500 Welcome, Professor Hill. 537 00:22:47,140 --> 00:22:49,380 Professor, do you swear to tell the whole truth 538 00:22:49,380 --> 00:22:51,220 and nothing but the truth, so help you God? 539 00:22:51,220 --> 00:22:53,460 I do. Thank you. 540 00:22:53,460 --> 00:22:57,100 Biden's committee was all white men - 541 00:22:57,100 --> 00:22:59,940 the "men of the Senate", as they were called. 542 00:22:59,940 --> 00:23:04,500 There was not a single woman who might have understood her story 543 00:23:04,500 --> 00:23:07,260 from a woman's point of view. 544 00:23:07,260 --> 00:23:11,380 Can you tell the committee what was the most embarrassing... 545 00:23:13,540 --> 00:23:17,500 ..of all the incidences that you have alleged? 546 00:23:17,500 --> 00:23:20,740 I think the one that was the most embarrassing 547 00:23:20,740 --> 00:23:20,980 I think the one was his discussion of...pornography 548 00:23:20,980 --> 00:23:26,660 was his discussion of...pornography 549 00:23:26,660 --> 00:23:31,500 involving these women with large breasts 550 00:23:31,500 --> 00:23:38,660 and engaged in a variety of sex with different people or animals. 551 00:23:38,660 --> 00:23:42,420 That was the thing that embarrassed me the most 552 00:23:42,420 --> 00:23:45,660 and made me feel the most humiliated. 553 00:23:45,660 --> 00:23:45,940 Here in Illinois, women were just mesmerised by the hearings. and made me feel the most humiliated. 554 00:23:45,940 --> 00:23:51,700 Here in Illinois, women were just mesmerised by the hearings. 555 00:23:51,700 --> 00:23:53,300 Outraged at what had happened. 556 00:23:53,300 --> 00:23:53,500 Outraged at what had happened. They looked up and saw 557 00:23:53,500 --> 00:23:55,020 They looked up and saw 558 00:23:55,020 --> 00:23:58,900 a very non-diverse United States Senate Judiciary Committee. 559 00:23:58,900 --> 00:24:02,900 There was not a woman there, not to mention person of colour. 560 00:24:02,900 --> 00:24:05,140 It was just all these cookie cutters 561 00:24:05,140 --> 00:24:07,860 and folks were really horrified by it. 562 00:24:07,860 --> 00:24:13,580 Let me now yield to my friend from Pennsylvania, Senator Specter. 563 00:24:13,580 --> 00:24:16,900 Biden's close friend, Republican Arlen Specter, 564 00:24:16,900 --> 00:24:17,140 Biden's close friend, led the charge against Hill. 565 00:24:17,140 --> 00:24:18,980 led the charge against Hill. 566 00:24:18,980 --> 00:24:22,100 I find the references to the alleged sexual harassment 567 00:24:22,100 --> 00:24:25,860 not only unbelievable, but preposterous. 568 00:24:25,860 --> 00:24:27,780 He cast doubt on her memory. 569 00:24:27,780 --> 00:24:33,500 How reliable is your testimony in October of 1991 570 00:24:33,500 --> 00:24:37,060 on events that occurred 8, 10 years ago? 571 00:24:37,060 --> 00:24:37,300 on events that occurred 8, He suggested she was exaggerating. 572 00:24:37,300 --> 00:24:39,540 He suggested she was exaggerating. 573 00:24:39,540 --> 00:24:45,420 You took it to mean that Judge Thomas wanted to have sex with you, 574 00:24:45,420 --> 00:24:49,620 but in fact he never did ask you to have sex, correct? 575 00:24:49,620 --> 00:24:49,860 but in fact he never did No, he did not ask me to have sex. 576 00:24:49,860 --> 00:24:51,820 No, he did not ask me to have sex. 577 00:24:51,820 --> 00:24:55,580 That was an inference that you drew? Yes, yes. 578 00:24:55,580 --> 00:24:57,580 Thank you, Professor Hill. We'll adjourn. 579 00:24:57,580 --> 00:25:01,100 There were these really searing images of this all-white panel, 580 00:25:01,100 --> 00:25:01,340 There were these really searing Joe Biden right in the middle of it, 581 00:25:01,340 --> 00:25:02,620 Joe Biden right in the middle of it, 582 00:25:02,620 --> 00:25:02,860 grilling Anita Hill, Joe Biden right in the middle of it, 583 00:25:02,860 --> 00:25:07,260 grilling Anita Hill, sometimes in quite hostile fashion. 584 00:25:07,260 --> 00:25:11,980 And Joe Biden was seen as a real sort of ringleader to that. 585 00:25:11,980 --> 00:25:15,140 Biden gave Clarence Thomas the last word. 586 00:25:15,140 --> 00:25:15,380 Biden gave Clarence Thomas He strongly denied the allegations. 587 00:25:15,380 --> 00:25:18,380 He strongly denied the allegations. 588 00:25:18,380 --> 00:25:18,620 This is a circus. He strongly denied the allegations. 589 00:25:18,620 --> 00:25:21,500 This is a circus. It's a national disgrace. 590 00:25:23,460 --> 00:25:27,420 And from my standpoint as a black American, 591 00:25:27,420 --> 00:25:27,660 And from my standpoint as far as I'm concerned, 592 00:25:27,660 --> 00:25:29,180 as far as I'm concerned, 593 00:25:29,180 --> 00:25:29,420 it is a high-tech lynching as far as I'm concerned, 594 00:25:29,420 --> 00:25:32,420 it is a high-tech lynching for uppity blacks 595 00:25:32,420 --> 00:25:38,420 by a committee of the US Senate, rather than hung from a tree. 596 00:25:40,580 --> 00:25:42,220 Very powerful. 597 00:25:42,220 --> 00:25:42,460 I mean, what it did Very powerful. 598 00:25:42,460 --> 00:25:46,900 I mean, what it did was it shamed these white senators. 599 00:25:46,900 --> 00:25:50,260 And it certainly seemed to shame the Democrats, 600 00:25:50,260 --> 00:25:53,740 who had just been accused of lynching a black man. 601 00:25:54,980 --> 00:25:58,060 Biden would end up voting against Thomas, 602 00:25:58,060 --> 00:26:01,740 but his handling of the hearing damaged him politically. 603 00:26:01,740 --> 00:26:06,100 MAN: It made him the face of an out-of-touch body 604 00:26:06,100 --> 00:26:06,380 and really wounded his prospects of a future run for president. MAN: It made him the face of an out-of-touch body 605 00:26:06,380 --> 00:26:12,780 and really wounded his prospects of a future run for president. 606 00:26:13,700 --> 00:26:16,060 He had some work to do. 607 00:26:16,060 --> 00:26:18,820 He had some reputational rehab to do. 608 00:26:20,660 --> 00:26:23,940 Biden turned to his method for survival in crisis - 609 00:26:23,940 --> 00:26:28,140 acknowledge the problem and repair the damage. 610 00:26:28,140 --> 00:26:28,420 Joe is always able to say, "Yeah, I didn't handle that quite right. acknowledge the problem and repair the damage. 611 00:26:28,420 --> 00:26:32,540 Joe is always able to say, "Yeah, I didn't handle that quite right. 612 00:26:32,540 --> 00:26:35,380 "Let me see what I can do better the next time." 613 00:26:35,380 --> 00:26:35,660 "Let me see what I can do better the next time." REPORTER: Carol Moseley Braun has entered political history. 614 00:26:35,660 --> 00:26:37,980 REPORTER: Carol Moseley Braun has entered political history. 615 00:26:37,980 --> 00:26:40,900 She's the first African American woman elected to the US Senate. 616 00:26:40,900 --> 00:26:42,140 REPORTER: Big changes here, 617 00:26:42,140 --> 00:26:44,620 the kind that have history written all over them. 618 00:26:44,620 --> 00:26:48,620 "Fixing things" began by recruiting the first black woman elected 619 00:26:48,620 --> 00:26:48,860 "Fixing things" began by recruiting to the United States Senate. 620 00:26:48,860 --> 00:26:50,100 to the United States Senate. 621 00:26:50,100 --> 00:26:50,340 REPORTER: Braun's anger over to the United States Senate. 622 00:26:50,340 --> 00:26:52,180 REPORTER: Braun's anger over the Clarence Thomas hearings 623 00:26:52,180 --> 00:26:52,420 REPORTER: Braun's anger over turned her into a candidate. 624 00:26:52,420 --> 00:26:53,820 turned her into a candidate. 625 00:26:53,820 --> 00:26:57,620 Biden wanted to make sure Moseley Braun joined his committee. 626 00:26:57,620 --> 00:26:57,900 I made a joke, which he didn't think was funny at all. Biden wanted to make sure Moseley Braun joined his committee. 627 00:26:57,900 --> 00:27:00,220 I made a joke, which he didn't think was funny at all. 628 00:27:00,220 --> 00:27:02,940 I said, "You just want Anita Hill on the other side of the table." 629 00:27:02,940 --> 00:27:03,180 He did not laugh. on the other side of the table." 630 00:27:03,180 --> 00:27:04,260 He did not laugh. 631 00:27:04,260 --> 00:27:06,020 He didn't think it was funny. 632 00:27:06,020 --> 00:27:06,260 He didn't think it was funny. And he still probably doesn't. (LAUGHS) 633 00:27:06,260 --> 00:27:08,900 And he still probably doesn't. (LAUGHS) 634 00:27:08,900 --> 00:27:11,540 He would end up convincing her and Dianne Feinstein 635 00:27:11,540 --> 00:27:11,780 He would end up convincing her to join the committee. 636 00:27:11,780 --> 00:27:14,060 to join the committee. 637 00:27:14,060 --> 00:27:16,260 Joe Biden was rebuilding 638 00:27:16,260 --> 00:27:16,500 with an eye on the ultimate Joe Biden was rebuilding 639 00:27:16,500 --> 00:27:19,700 with an eye on the ultimate prize - the presidency. 640 00:27:20,980 --> 00:27:24,620 MATT BAI: Half a dozen times in his career, he faces moments like this 641 00:27:24,620 --> 00:27:27,140 where a normal person looks in the mirror and says, 642 00:27:27,140 --> 00:27:29,460 "This is never going to happen for me, 643 00:27:29,460 --> 00:27:29,740 "either because my time has passed or because I've humiliated myself "This is never going to happen for me, 644 00:27:29,740 --> 00:27:34,780 "either because my time has passed or because I've humiliated myself 645 00:27:34,780 --> 00:27:38,420 "or because I've been on the wrong side of an issue." 646 00:27:38,420 --> 00:27:38,660 "or because I've been on the wrong side of an issue." And he just keeps coming back. 647 00:27:38,660 --> 00:27:41,540 And he just keeps coming back. 648 00:27:47,940 --> 00:27:50,540 Another day, another entry in the presidential race. 649 00:27:50,540 --> 00:27:53,900 Delaware Senator Joe Biden is the ninth Democrat... 650 00:27:53,900 --> 00:27:54,140 Delaware Senator Joe Biden It was 2007. 651 00:27:54,140 --> 00:27:55,660 It was 2007. 652 00:27:55,660 --> 00:27:55,900 Joe Biden was running It was 2007. 653 00:27:55,900 --> 00:27:59,020 Joe Biden was running for president again. 654 00:27:59,020 --> 00:27:59,260 Joe Biden was running But that very day... 655 00:27:59,260 --> 00:28:00,140 But that very day... 656 00:28:00,140 --> 00:28:02,540 It sure isn't easy ruining for president these days. 657 00:28:02,540 --> 00:28:03,620 ..it all blew up. 658 00:28:03,620 --> 00:28:06,100 This was not a good day for Joe Biden, was it? 659 00:28:06,100 --> 00:28:07,420 No, it really wasn't, Katie. 660 00:28:07,420 --> 00:28:09,900 He just got into the race today, and no sooner than he did, 661 00:28:09,900 --> 00:28:12,140 he talks his way into a national controversy. 662 00:28:12,140 --> 00:28:14,380 Spent much of the day discussing these comments he made 663 00:28:14,380 --> 00:28:17,740 to a newspaper reporter about Senator Barack Obama. 664 00:28:32,900 --> 00:28:35,900 REPORTER: Some people listening to those descriptions of Obama - 665 00:28:35,900 --> 00:28:36,140 REPORTER: Some people listening to "articulate," "clean" - 666 00:28:36,140 --> 00:28:37,660 "articulate," "clean" - 667 00:28:37,660 --> 00:28:41,740 heard racial overtones, or, at the very least, condescension. 668 00:28:41,740 --> 00:28:43,100 JELANI COBB: I think when people heard 669 00:28:43,100 --> 00:28:43,340 JELANI COBB: the "clean and articulate" line, 670 00:28:43,340 --> 00:28:44,580 the "clean and articulate" line, 671 00:28:44,580 --> 00:28:49,740 there was a wave of eye rolling, certainly among African Americans. 672 00:28:49,740 --> 00:28:50,020 It was the kind of well-intentioned but benighted commentary there was a wave of eye rolling, certainly among African Americans. 673 00:28:50,020 --> 00:28:54,660 It was the kind of well-intentioned but benighted commentary 674 00:28:54,660 --> 00:28:59,620 that you expect from people who inhabit environments 675 00:28:59,620 --> 00:29:01,860 where there aren't very many black people, 676 00:29:01,860 --> 00:29:02,100 where there aren't very many black people, and the United States Senate 677 00:29:02,100 --> 00:29:03,380 and the United States Senate 678 00:29:03,380 --> 00:29:03,620 has historically been and the United States Senate 679 00:29:03,620 --> 00:29:06,220 has historically been a prime example of that. 680 00:29:06,220 --> 00:29:10,100 REPORTER: Tonight, his campaign is doing damage control. 681 00:29:10,100 --> 00:29:10,340 REPORTER: Tonight, his campaign REPORTER: Joe Biden's apologising 682 00:29:10,340 --> 00:29:11,620 REPORTER: Joe Biden's apologising 683 00:29:11,620 --> 00:29:14,500 for a remark he made about Senator Barack Obama. 684 00:29:14,500 --> 00:29:15,460 In the months that followed... 685 00:29:15,460 --> 00:29:17,500 REPORTER: Joe Biden dropped out of the race last night 686 00:29:17,500 --> 00:29:17,740 REPORTER: Joe Biden dropped out of after finishing poorly. 687 00:29:17,740 --> 00:29:18,700 after finishing poorly. 688 00:29:18,700 --> 00:29:21,220 ..once again, Joe Biden's campaign would collapse. 689 00:29:21,220 --> 00:29:22,300 REPORTER: The latest news 690 00:29:22,300 --> 00:29:24,780 is that Joe Biden is dropping out of the race. 691 00:29:24,780 --> 00:29:27,900 But he wasn't taking himself out of the game. 692 00:29:27,900 --> 00:29:32,180 He'd make it personal, build a relationship with Obama. 693 00:29:33,380 --> 00:29:36,100 Out of competition came mutual respect, 694 00:29:36,100 --> 00:29:40,660 and mutual respect led to a real relationship, 695 00:29:40,660 --> 00:29:41,940 a friendship, 696 00:29:41,940 --> 00:29:42,140 and Joe Biden became somebody a friendship, 697 00:29:42,140 --> 00:29:43,860 and Joe Biden became somebody 698 00:29:43,860 --> 00:29:47,940 that President Obama looked to for advice and counsel. 699 00:29:49,180 --> 00:29:51,780 Senator, have you made up your mind about... 700 00:29:51,780 --> 00:29:53,620 You are not going to get anything out of me 701 00:29:53,620 --> 00:29:55,740 on the vice presidential thing, nothing! 702 00:29:55,740 --> 00:30:00,300 Soon, that relationship would pay off as Obama sought a running mate. 703 00:30:00,300 --> 00:30:02,900 I've got to say that I've made the selection, 704 00:30:02,900 --> 00:30:03,140 I've got to say that and that's all you're going to get. 705 00:30:03,140 --> 00:30:04,980 and that's all you're going to get. 706 00:30:04,980 --> 00:30:05,220 When Barack ran, he needed the support of someone and that's all you're going to get. 707 00:30:05,220 --> 00:30:08,940 When Barack ran, he needed the support of someone 708 00:30:08,940 --> 00:30:12,540 who knew his way around government, and that was Joe Biden. 709 00:30:12,540 --> 00:30:12,820 who knew his way around government, and that was Joe Biden. Obama asked him to be on his ticket as vice-president. 710 00:30:12,820 --> 00:30:17,500 Obama asked him to be on his ticket as vice-president. 711 00:30:17,500 --> 00:30:21,180 At the house in Wilmington, the Biden inner circle gathered. 712 00:30:21,180 --> 00:30:21,420 At the house in Wilmington, KAUFMAN: He was not going to do it. 713 00:30:21,420 --> 00:30:22,780 KAUFMAN: He was not going to do it. 714 00:30:22,780 --> 00:30:23,020 I mean, there's no doubt KAUFMAN: He was not going to do it. 715 00:30:23,020 --> 00:30:25,020 I mean, there's no doubt he was not going to do it. 716 00:30:25,020 --> 00:30:25,300 We had another one of those family meetings and a few key people. I mean, there's no doubt he was not going to do it. 717 00:30:25,300 --> 00:30:29,660 We had another one of those family meetings and a few key people. 718 00:30:29,660 --> 00:30:31,660 JILL BIDEN: The kids said to me, 719 00:30:31,660 --> 00:30:35,900 "Mom, you have to talk Dad into running." 720 00:30:35,900 --> 00:30:36,180 And I said, "Joe, this is such a great moment in history." "Mom, you have to talk Dad into running." 721 00:30:36,180 --> 00:30:40,540 And I said, "Joe, this is such a great moment in history." 722 00:30:41,780 --> 00:30:44,940 His ma said, "Well, Joey" - she called him Joey - 723 00:30:44,940 --> 00:30:47,540 she said, "Well, Joey, you're telling me 724 00:30:47,540 --> 00:30:50,900 "that the first African American president in history thinks 725 00:30:50,900 --> 00:30:54,740 "that you can help him get elected and you're saying no?" 726 00:30:56,180 --> 00:30:58,900 Game, set, match. It was over. 727 00:30:58,900 --> 00:31:01,700 REPORTER: Barack Obama is projected to be the next president. 728 00:31:01,700 --> 00:31:03,700 REPORTER 2: Senator Barack Obama of Illinois... 729 00:31:03,700 --> 00:31:07,940 He'd turned a political crisis into a relationship 730 00:31:07,940 --> 00:31:10,180 and became vice-president. 731 00:31:10,180 --> 00:31:12,900 REPORTER: ..47 years old, he'll become the president. 732 00:31:12,900 --> 00:31:14,980 BIDEN OWENS: He had already squared away in his mind 733 00:31:14,980 --> 00:31:19,900 that he understood that Barack Obama was president, 734 00:31:19,900 --> 00:31:21,380 Joe was vice-president, 735 00:31:21,380 --> 00:31:21,620 and Joe understood the job of vice-president and wore it well. Joe was vice-president, 736 00:31:21,620 --> 00:31:28,580 and Joe understood the job of vice-president and wore it well. 737 00:31:30,900 --> 00:31:33,940 In the Obama White House, Biden brought with him something 738 00:31:33,940 --> 00:31:36,260 the president didn't have - 739 00:31:36,260 --> 00:31:39,980 relationships in Congress spanning decades. 740 00:31:39,980 --> 00:31:42,580 JARRETT: Those were his recently former colleagues, 741 00:31:42,580 --> 00:31:45,460 and he knew that he could call them and they would take his call 742 00:31:45,460 --> 00:31:48,740 and that he could go and thrash issues out with them 743 00:31:48,740 --> 00:31:52,060 with a degree of comfort that President Obama didn't have 744 00:31:52,060 --> 00:31:54,820 because he hadn't known them as long as Vice-President Biden. 745 00:31:56,140 --> 00:31:59,540 Biden became Obama's trusted partner. 746 00:31:59,540 --> 00:32:02,380 BAI: The real question isn't, "What thing did you do?" 747 00:32:02,380 --> 00:32:02,620 BAI: The real question isn't, if you're vice-president. 748 00:32:02,620 --> 00:32:04,300 if you're vice-president. 749 00:32:04,300 --> 00:32:04,540 The real question is if you're vice-president. 750 00:32:04,540 --> 00:32:07,820 The real question is "How much influence did you have?" 751 00:32:07,820 --> 00:32:08,100 And I think Biden understands power and leveraging power. The real question is "How much influence did you have?" 752 00:32:08,100 --> 00:32:12,180 And I think Biden understands power and leveraging power. 753 00:32:12,180 --> 00:32:14,700 I think he had a genuine relationship with Obama 754 00:32:14,700 --> 00:32:16,340 and they spent a lot of time talking. 755 00:32:16,340 --> 00:32:16,620 and they spent a lot of time talking. But I think he was a very influential vice-president, 756 00:32:16,620 --> 00:32:19,260 But I think he was a very influential vice-president, 757 00:32:19,260 --> 00:32:22,780 in that way, and an extremely loyal vice-president. 758 00:32:25,220 --> 00:32:29,740 In return, Obama bestowed on Biden something special, 759 00:32:29,740 --> 00:32:34,300 a kind of political sainthood they called the "Obama halo." 760 00:32:35,580 --> 00:32:39,300 SELLERS: Joe Biden has the Obama halo. Everybody knows that. 761 00:32:39,300 --> 00:32:41,540 That is the cleansing of Joe Biden 762 00:32:41,540 --> 00:32:44,660 and everything that may have happened. 763 00:32:44,660 --> 00:32:44,940 And there is such a great irony that someone who was the architect and everything that may have happened. 764 00:32:44,940 --> 00:32:50,540 And there is such a great irony that someone who was the architect 765 00:32:50,540 --> 00:32:56,300 of the '94 crime bill, and a white man of this age, 766 00:32:56,300 --> 00:32:56,580 of the '94 crime bill, and a white man of this age, when you think about Anita Hill, his crutch, his... 767 00:32:56,580 --> 00:33:01,740 when you think about Anita Hill, his crutch, his... 768 00:33:01,740 --> 00:33:01,980 when you think about Anita Hill, ..the reason for his success 769 00:33:01,980 --> 00:33:03,780 ..the reason for his success 770 00:33:03,780 --> 00:33:07,140 is a black man with a funny name 771 00:33:07,140 --> 00:33:10,660 who's kind of skinny, from Hawaii by way of Kansas. 772 00:33:16,180 --> 00:33:19,140 CROWD: (CHANTS) Black lives matter! Black lives matter! 773 00:33:19,140 --> 00:33:21,580 Black lives matter! Black lives matter! 774 00:33:21,580 --> 00:33:25,860 In those years as vice-president, Biden would confront yet more crises. 775 00:33:25,860 --> 00:33:27,100 Black lives matter! 776 00:33:27,100 --> 00:33:29,380 Among them, the building racial tensions... 777 00:33:29,380 --> 00:33:29,620 Among them, Don't touch me! 778 00:33:29,620 --> 00:33:30,900 Don't touch me! 779 00:33:30,900 --> 00:33:31,140 ..growing outrage over police Don't touch me! 780 00:33:31,140 --> 00:33:34,540 ..growing outrage over police violence against African Americans. 781 00:33:36,340 --> 00:33:39,340 Black lives matter! Black lives matter! 782 00:33:39,340 --> 00:33:43,300 Then, news of a revenge shooting against the police. 783 00:33:43,300 --> 00:33:44,540 We begin tonight with breaking news - 784 00:33:44,540 --> 00:33:47,060 a deadly police shooting in New York City. 785 00:33:47,060 --> 00:33:49,500 Two New York City police officers are dead 786 00:33:49,500 --> 00:33:51,900 following an ambush Saturday afternoon. 787 00:33:51,900 --> 00:33:54,540 They were, quite simply, assassinated. 788 00:33:55,620 --> 00:33:57,860 Amateur video captured the frantic scene 789 00:33:57,860 --> 00:33:58,140 Amateur video captured the frantic scene as paramedics desperately tried to save the lives 790 00:33:58,140 --> 00:34:00,460 as paramedics desperately tried to save the lives 791 00:34:00,460 --> 00:34:04,140 of Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos. 792 00:34:04,140 --> 00:34:07,940 When it came to matters of race, Obama relied on Biden 793 00:34:07,940 --> 00:34:08,180 When it came to matters of race, to walk a fine line he could not. 794 00:34:08,180 --> 00:34:10,420 to walk a fine line he could not. 795 00:34:11,500 --> 00:34:15,060 WESLEY LOWERY: One of Joe Biden's chief responsibilities 796 00:34:15,060 --> 00:34:15,340 was to be an ambassador to the country, WESLEY LOWERY: One of Joe Biden's chief responsibilities 797 00:34:15,340 --> 00:34:18,460 was to be an ambassador to the country, 798 00:34:18,460 --> 00:34:20,900 specifically to the white parts of the country, 799 00:34:20,900 --> 00:34:23,660 where Barack Obama's presence might have only further 800 00:34:23,660 --> 00:34:23,900 where Barack Obama's presence might have only further inflamed the situation. 801 00:34:23,900 --> 00:34:26,700 inflamed the situation. 802 00:34:27,820 --> 00:34:30,220 Now Biden was dispatched to New York. 803 00:34:30,220 --> 00:34:34,540 REPORTER: 25,000 police officers are all there to say goodbye. 804 00:34:34,540 --> 00:34:34,780 REPORTER: 25,000 police officers It was tense. 805 00:34:34,780 --> 00:34:35,580 It was tense. 806 00:34:35,580 --> 00:34:35,820 REPORTER 2: A sea of blue It was tense. 807 00:34:35,820 --> 00:34:38,060 REPORTER 2: A sea of blue filled the city streets. 808 00:34:38,060 --> 00:34:41,020 He used his method - keep it personal - 809 00:34:41,020 --> 00:34:44,300 talked directly to the family of Officer Rafael Ramos. 810 00:34:45,420 --> 00:34:47,220 Our hearts ache for you. 811 00:34:48,420 --> 00:34:52,820 I know from personal experience that there is little anyone can say 812 00:34:52,820 --> 00:34:58,780 or do at this moment to ease the pain, that sense of loss, 813 00:34:58,780 --> 00:35:00,780 that sense of loneliness. 814 00:35:00,780 --> 00:35:05,540 LOWERY: Joe Biden has been defined in public life 815 00:35:05,540 --> 00:35:05,780 LOWERY: Joe Biden has been by heartbreak and empathy. 816 00:35:05,780 --> 00:35:07,700 by heartbreak and empathy. 817 00:35:09,700 --> 00:35:13,980 That when Joe Biden steps up at the funeral, 818 00:35:13,980 --> 00:35:17,380 you know that those tears are real. 819 00:35:17,380 --> 00:35:20,260 The time will come, the time will come, 820 00:35:20,260 --> 00:35:21,820 when Rafael's memory will bring 821 00:35:21,820 --> 00:35:23,860 a smile to your lips 822 00:35:23,860 --> 00:35:25,900 before it brings a tear to your eyes. 823 00:35:26,860 --> 00:35:29,820 That's when you know it's going to be OK. 824 00:35:30,780 --> 00:35:33,980 I know it's hard to believe it will happen, but I promise you... 825 00:35:33,980 --> 00:35:34,220 I know it's hard to believe it ..I promise you it will happen. 826 00:35:34,220 --> 00:35:36,460 ..I promise you it will happen. 827 00:35:36,460 --> 00:35:40,340 It's an odd role in public life, to be known as a person 828 00:35:40,340 --> 00:35:40,580 It's an odd role in public life, associated with grief. 829 00:35:40,580 --> 00:35:42,340 associated with grief. 830 00:35:42,340 --> 00:35:44,940 And Joe Biden never wanted to be that person, actually. 831 00:35:44,940 --> 00:35:45,220 And Joe Biden never wanted to be that person, actually. It was not how he imagined his own political future. 832 00:35:45,220 --> 00:35:48,220 It was not how he imagined his own political future. 833 00:35:51,500 --> 00:35:56,020 But because of his life, he ended up being this public 834 00:35:56,020 --> 00:36:00,580 political symbol of suffering and of resilience. 835 00:36:00,580 --> 00:36:02,900 And eventually he embraced it. 836 00:36:02,900 --> 00:36:05,860 But he actually didn't want to be that. 837 00:36:07,300 --> 00:36:09,780 After decades in politics, 838 00:36:09,780 --> 00:36:10,020 Biden seemed to have finally After decades in politics, 839 00:36:10,020 --> 00:36:12,780 Biden seemed to have finally found his place. 840 00:36:15,100 --> 00:36:17,340 But soon after the crisis in New York... 841 00:36:18,780 --> 00:36:22,220 ..yet again, a personal crisis. 842 00:36:28,020 --> 00:36:31,140 Biden was burying his own son Beau. 843 00:36:34,980 --> 00:36:37,460 LASKAS: He was the apple of Biden's eye. 844 00:36:39,340 --> 00:36:43,620 He was not just someone who he thought was brilliant 845 00:36:43,620 --> 00:36:46,020 and successful and so proud of him. 846 00:36:46,020 --> 00:36:46,220 and successful and so proud of him. It went beyond pride. 847 00:36:46,220 --> 00:36:48,260 It went beyond pride. 848 00:36:48,260 --> 00:36:51,620 It was almost like, "He's the perfect version of me." 849 00:36:53,420 --> 00:36:55,140 Beau had served in Iraq. 850 00:36:57,020 --> 00:36:59,820 He was attorney-general of Delaware. 851 00:37:02,700 --> 00:37:04,940 They talked about the presidency some day. 852 00:37:06,940 --> 00:37:10,020 Joe often describes him as Joe 2.0. 853 00:37:10,020 --> 00:37:10,220 And he looked like his dad. Joe often describes him as Joe 2.0. 854 00:37:10,220 --> 00:37:12,500 And he looked like his dad. 855 00:37:12,500 --> 00:37:12,740 He had a lot of the same And he looked like his dad. 856 00:37:12,740 --> 00:37:15,500 He had a lot of the same skill sets as his father. 857 00:37:15,500 --> 00:37:18,460 He was very charismatic. He was charming. He was funny. 858 00:37:20,020 --> 00:37:22,260 But then brain cancer. 859 00:37:24,820 --> 00:37:26,660 Death at 46. 860 00:37:28,660 --> 00:37:31,300 REPORTER: Beau Biden, former Delaware attorney-general 861 00:37:31,300 --> 00:37:34,340 and eldest son of Vice-President Joe Biden, died Saturday. 862 00:37:34,340 --> 00:37:37,460 REPORTER 2: Biden's office was the first to announce his son's death. 863 00:37:37,460 --> 00:37:39,460 REPORTER 3: The Vice-president was with his son Beau 864 00:37:39,460 --> 00:37:40,740 when he passed away tonight. 865 00:37:41,740 --> 00:37:45,060 I happened to be in Obama's White House and he walked in. 866 00:37:47,380 --> 00:37:48,900 And I honestly... 867 00:37:49,980 --> 00:37:51,820 It was almost like I didn't recognise him. 868 00:37:51,820 --> 00:37:53,100 This was shortly after Beau died. 869 00:37:53,100 --> 00:37:57,980 He just looked like he had aged years and years 870 00:37:57,980 --> 00:37:58,220 He just looked like in such a short amount of time. 871 00:37:58,220 --> 00:38:00,140 in such a short amount of time. 872 00:38:03,180 --> 00:38:05,380 Through crisis and tragedy, 873 00:38:05,380 --> 00:38:08,500 Joe Biden had his eyes on the presidency. 874 00:38:08,500 --> 00:38:12,140 But now, in grief, he would decide to stand down. 875 00:38:20,180 --> 00:38:23,780 MAN: Please raise your right hand and repeat after me, 876 00:38:23,780 --> 00:38:31,180 I, Donald John Trump, do solemnly swear... 877 00:38:31,180 --> 00:38:31,420 I, Donald John Trump, For the first time in decades, 878 00:38:31,420 --> 00:38:33,380 For the first time in decades, 879 00:38:33,380 --> 00:38:35,820 Joe Biden was a private citizen, 880 00:38:35,820 --> 00:38:38,860 watching Donald Trump's polarising presidency. 881 00:38:38,860 --> 00:38:41,620 So help me God. So help me God. 882 00:38:41,620 --> 00:38:43,380 Congratulations, Mr President. 883 00:38:43,380 --> 00:38:45,780 (CHEERING) 884 00:38:47,700 --> 00:38:51,020 CROWD: (CHANTS) White lives matter! White lives matter! 885 00:38:51,020 --> 00:38:54,700 White lives matter! White lives matter! White lives matter! 886 00:38:54,700 --> 00:38:56,380 ANTONY BLINKEN: And then came Charlottesville. 887 00:38:56,380 --> 00:38:56,620 ANTONY BLINKEN: And then That was really the tipping point. 888 00:38:56,620 --> 00:38:58,180 That was really the tipping point. 889 00:38:58,180 --> 00:39:00,580 (ANGRY SHOUTING) 890 00:39:00,580 --> 00:39:02,620 When he heard President Trump say there are very fine... 891 00:39:02,620 --> 00:39:05,700 ..some very fine people on both sides, that was it. 892 00:39:05,700 --> 00:39:05,940 ..some very fine people on both sides, that was it. That was the tipping point. 893 00:39:05,940 --> 00:39:07,660 That was the tipping point. 894 00:39:07,660 --> 00:39:07,860 That was the tipping point. Biden watched, increasingly alarmed, 895 00:39:07,860 --> 00:39:10,700 Biden watched, increasingly alarmed, 896 00:39:10,700 --> 00:39:10,940 violent clashes between white Biden watched, increasingly alarmed, 897 00:39:10,940 --> 00:39:15,580 violent clashes between white supremacists and counterprotesters. 898 00:39:15,580 --> 00:39:17,860 LOWERY: It's hard to believe, based on his own statements, 899 00:39:17,860 --> 00:39:18,140 that Joe Biden doesn't see some level of personal responsibly LOWERY: It's hard to believe, based on his own statements, 900 00:39:18,140 --> 00:39:22,100 that Joe Biden doesn't see some level of personal responsibly 901 00:39:22,100 --> 00:39:23,460 for the rise of Donald Trump. 902 00:39:23,460 --> 00:39:23,660 for the rise of Donald Trump. Joe Biden was the vice-president, 903 00:39:23,660 --> 00:39:25,260 Joe Biden was the vice-president, 904 00:39:25,260 --> 00:39:27,500 and he chose not to run for president. 905 00:39:27,500 --> 00:39:30,780 You have to imagine that's weighed pretty heavily on Joe Biden. 906 00:39:32,060 --> 00:39:34,580 He decided to do something about it. 907 00:39:34,580 --> 00:39:39,180 At 76 years old, he would run one more time. 908 00:39:39,180 --> 00:39:42,860 Today I'm announcing my candidacy for president of the United States. 909 00:39:45,100 --> 00:39:46,860 LEIBOVICH: Through the Democratic primaries, 910 00:39:46,860 --> 00:39:47,100 LEIBOVICH: Through he was not at the top of his game. 911 00:39:47,100 --> 00:39:49,020 he was not at the top of his game. 912 00:39:49,020 --> 00:39:49,220 He kind of staggered along. he was not at the top of his game. 913 00:39:49,220 --> 00:39:50,940 He kind of staggered along. 914 00:39:50,940 --> 00:39:53,460 He didn't do terribly well when the voting started. 915 00:39:53,460 --> 00:39:53,740 He didn't do terribly well when the voting started. MAN: Biden appearing to shrug off an apparent fourth-place finish... 916 00:39:53,740 --> 00:39:56,620 MAN: Biden appearing to shrug off an apparent fourth-place finish... 917 00:39:56,620 --> 00:39:57,940 Fourth in Iowa. 918 00:39:57,940 --> 00:39:59,540 MAN 2: Biden may not have enough cash 919 00:39:59,540 --> 00:40:01,500 even to make it through Super Tuesday. 920 00:40:01,500 --> 00:40:01,740 even to make it through Fifth in New Hampshire. 921 00:40:01,740 --> 00:40:02,700 Fifth in New Hampshire. 922 00:40:02,700 --> 00:40:02,940 WOMAN: After three straight losses, Fifth in New Hampshire. 923 00:40:02,940 --> 00:40:05,220 WOMAN: After three straight losses, Joe Biden is now banking on... 924 00:40:05,220 --> 00:40:05,460 WOMAN: After three straight losses, But he stuck with his playbook... 925 00:40:05,460 --> 00:40:06,660 But he stuck with his playbook... 926 00:40:06,660 --> 00:40:08,300 Has certainly damaged his fundraising ability. 927 00:40:08,300 --> 00:40:11,580 ..stay in the centre, make personal connections... 928 00:40:13,100 --> 00:40:15,620 ..reach out to black voters. 929 00:40:15,620 --> 00:40:18,860 As he ages, he's a better candidate every time. 930 00:40:18,860 --> 00:40:19,100 As he ages, he's a better candidate He does not waver. 931 00:40:19,100 --> 00:40:20,100 He does not waver. 932 00:40:20,100 --> 00:40:20,340 He does not appear to be a guy who goes with the wind, He does not waver. 933 00:40:20,340 --> 00:40:22,620 He does not appear to be a guy who goes with the wind, 934 00:40:22,620 --> 00:40:26,900 even when he appears to be losing and out of step with his own party. 935 00:40:26,900 --> 00:40:30,980 MAN: Joe Biden desperately needs South Carolina if he has any chance. 936 00:40:30,980 --> 00:40:34,940 His last hope - South Carolina. 937 00:40:34,940 --> 00:40:36,900 MAN: It all rests on South Carolina. 938 00:40:36,900 --> 00:40:39,580 JIM CLYBURN: Joe Biden has spent a lot of time in South Carolina. 939 00:40:39,580 --> 00:40:39,820 JIM CLYBURN: Joe Biden has spent He can relate to South Carolinians. 940 00:40:39,820 --> 00:40:41,660 He can relate to South Carolinians. 941 00:40:41,660 --> 00:40:41,900 South Carolina was very, very important to Joe Biden. He can relate to South Carolinians. 942 00:40:41,900 --> 00:40:45,460 South Carolina was very, very important to Joe Biden. 943 00:40:45,460 --> 00:40:49,500 MAN: NBC News is projecting former vice-president Joe Biden the winner. 944 00:40:49,500 --> 00:40:49,780 MAN: NBC News is projecting former vice-president Joe Biden the winner. And the state's black voters gave him a victory. 945 00:40:49,780 --> 00:40:52,420 And the state's black voters gave him a victory. 946 00:40:52,420 --> 00:40:56,740 MAN: ..was reinvigorated largely by black voters in this state. 947 00:40:56,740 --> 00:40:58,540 WOMAN: Joe Biden wins big. 948 00:40:58,540 --> 00:40:59,700 Three days later... 949 00:40:59,700 --> 00:41:01,100 WOMAN 2: In a political earthquake, 950 00:41:01,100 --> 00:41:03,580 these are the results nobody saw coming. 951 00:41:03,580 --> 00:41:06,460 ..he rode the momentum and dominated Super Tuesday. 952 00:41:06,460 --> 00:41:08,980 WOMAN: Pulled off one of the biggest political upsets 953 00:41:08,980 --> 00:41:10,900 in modern political history. 954 00:41:10,900 --> 00:41:13,820 Soon, he'd win the nomination. 955 00:41:15,380 --> 00:41:17,980 In its own way, it's the culmination 956 00:41:17,980 --> 00:41:20,060 of all of his training and ambition 957 00:41:20,060 --> 00:41:20,300 and his mistakes and his regrets and his attempts to be better. of all of his training and ambition 958 00:41:20,300 --> 00:41:23,420 and his mistakes and his regrets and his attempts to be better. 959 00:41:25,460 --> 00:41:28,660 And it came together, at last. 960 00:41:30,220 --> 00:41:32,460 WOMAN: The coronavirus crisis in this country 961 00:41:32,460 --> 00:41:34,100 is taking a dangerous turn. 962 00:41:34,100 --> 00:41:35,700 MAN: The true cost of COVID, 963 00:41:35,700 --> 00:41:38,900 measured not by numbers, but families. 964 00:41:38,900 --> 00:41:43,180 He ran for president in the midst of a profound national crisis. 965 00:41:43,180 --> 00:41:46,780 WOMAN: COVID-19 is now the third- leading cause of death in the US. 966 00:41:46,780 --> 00:41:49,980 MAN: Unemployment now soaring to 14.7%. 967 00:41:49,980 --> 00:41:53,260 WOMAN: Millions of Americans on the brink of financial ruin. 968 00:41:53,260 --> 00:41:55,260 BAI: The moment plays to his strengths 969 00:41:55,260 --> 00:41:58,820 in ways that the other moments he ran probably did not. 970 00:41:58,820 --> 00:42:01,940 WOMAN: It has been double the trauma - first the global pandemic, 971 00:42:01,940 --> 00:42:03,460 and now the traumatic death of George Floyd. 972 00:42:03,460 --> 00:42:08,140 MAN: A new wave of grief in the form of police brutality. 973 00:42:08,140 --> 00:42:10,180 We're living in a country that's experienced, 974 00:42:10,180 --> 00:42:10,420 We're living in a country in 2020, a ton of loss. 975 00:42:10,420 --> 00:42:13,220 in 2020, a ton of loss. 976 00:42:13,220 --> 00:42:13,460 MAN: Disappointment, emptiness, in 2020, a ton of loss. 977 00:42:13,460 --> 00:42:17,940 MAN: Disappointment, emptiness, hopelessness and so much fear. 978 00:42:19,420 --> 00:42:24,100 And here you have a man whose life has been defined, 979 00:42:24,100 --> 00:42:24,340 And here you have a man in a lot of ways, by loss. 980 00:42:24,340 --> 00:42:25,900 in a lot of ways, by loss. 981 00:42:27,900 --> 00:42:30,780 Joe Biden told voters he understood 982 00:42:30,780 --> 00:42:33,740 and promised he would be there for them. 983 00:42:33,740 --> 00:42:36,020 You folks at home, how many of you got up this morning 984 00:42:36,020 --> 00:42:38,300 and had an empty chair at the kitchen table 985 00:42:38,300 --> 00:42:38,540 and had an empty chair because someone died of COVID? 986 00:42:38,540 --> 00:42:40,140 because someone died of COVID? 987 00:42:40,140 --> 00:42:41,940 How many of you were in a situation 988 00:42:41,940 --> 00:42:42,180 where you lost your mom or dad How many of you were in a situation 989 00:42:42,180 --> 00:42:45,060 where you lost your mom or dad and you couldn't even speak to them? 990 00:42:45,060 --> 00:42:48,380 You had a nurse holding a phone up so you could, in fact, say goodbye? 991 00:42:48,380 --> 00:42:49,780 You would have lost far more people... 992 00:42:49,780 --> 00:42:52,020 How many people? ..far more people... 993 00:42:52,020 --> 00:42:52,820 And by the way... 994 00:42:52,820 --> 00:42:56,780 OSNOS: It's sort of a political story you could not have imagined. 995 00:42:56,780 --> 00:43:01,420 This man who's wanted to be president for half a century 996 00:43:01,420 --> 00:43:05,580 and failed to do it over and over, and now finds himself at this moment 997 00:43:05,580 --> 00:43:07,940 of really abject national crisis, 998 00:43:07,940 --> 00:43:11,860 and that's the moment when the country sees him 999 00:43:11,860 --> 00:43:12,100 and that's the moment for the first time, really. 1000 00:43:12,100 --> 00:43:14,140 for the first time, really. 1001 00:43:14,140 --> 00:43:14,380 REPORTER: We've reached a historic for the first time, really. 1002 00:43:14,380 --> 00:43:17,460 REPORTER: We've reached a historic moment in this election. 1003 00:43:17,460 --> 00:43:23,140 Joseph R. Biden Jr is elected the 46th president of the United States. 1004 00:43:23,140 --> 00:43:23,380 Joseph R. Biden Jr is elected the Finally, after five decades, victory. 1005 00:43:23,380 --> 00:43:27,060 Finally, after five decades, victory. 1006 00:43:27,060 --> 00:43:29,580 REPORTER: And Joe Biden and Kamala Harris 1007 00:43:29,580 --> 00:43:33,220 will receive the most votes of any presidential ticket ever. 1008 00:43:33,220 --> 00:43:35,940 The people of this nation have spoken. 1009 00:43:37,540 --> 00:43:42,820 They've delivered us a clear victory, a convincing victory, 1010 00:43:42,820 --> 00:43:46,820 a victory for we, the people. 1011 00:43:46,820 --> 00:43:50,060 (CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) 1012 00:43:50,060 --> 00:43:53,420 MAN: (SHOUTS) Oh, yeah! Whoa! They broke through! It's on! 1013 00:43:53,420 --> 00:43:57,380 Now Joe Biden faces his biggest challenge yet. 1014 00:44:00,940 --> 00:44:03,580 I don't think any president, certainly in my lifetime, 1015 00:44:03,580 --> 00:44:06,140 has faced the problems that Joe Biden will face 1016 00:44:06,140 --> 00:44:07,900 as the new president. 1017 00:44:09,300 --> 00:44:12,860 The pandemic, a weakened economy, 1018 00:44:12,860 --> 00:44:15,060 the racial issues that are on the table. 1019 00:44:16,340 --> 00:44:18,980 To do it when the country is as divided as it is 1020 00:44:18,980 --> 00:44:21,820 will test every bit of what Joe Biden has learned 1021 00:44:21,820 --> 00:44:24,340 over nearly 50 years in public office. 1022 00:44:32,980 --> 00:44:34,980 Captions by Red Bee Media 1023 00:44:34,980 --> 00:44:37,180 Copyright Australian Broadcasting Corporation